A second half strike from South African forward Elias Mokwana was all visitors Espérance needed in their 1-0 CAF Champions League victory at Djoliba on Sunday. Mokwana volleyed in the only goal of the match to give the visitors a win in Bamako to join Egyptian club Pyramids FC in the quarterfinals out of Group D.
Having struggled away from home in Group D play this season, Espérance turned in a strong performance against Djoliba who needed victory to keep their hopes alive. The visitors were comfortable from the beginning and looked more threatening throughout the match against the Malian club who were overmatched.
The winning goal arrived in the 67th minute when EST left back Mohamed Ben Hamida received a long pass on the flank and put in a high cross to find the run of Mokwana. The former Sekhukhune United star did well to control his volley from close range and give EST a lead they would hold onto without much trouble.
Espérance are tied with Pyramids on ten points at the top of Group D but hold a superior head-to-head record (1-0 at home, 1-2 away) in the event that both teams are tied on points after the final day. EST host Angolan club Sagrada next Saturday while Pyramids host Djoliba in matches where the two North African clubs will be highly favored to win.
Group D Table
GP | Points | |
Espérance ST | 5 | 10 |
Pyramids FC | 5 | 10 |
Sagrada | 5 | 5 |
Djoliba | 5 | 2 |
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