The second round of matches from the group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League began with a 0-0 draw in Luanda between hosts Sagrada Esperança of Angola and Tunisian giants Espérance. Espérance looked more likely to score but the Blood and Gold were forced to settle for a point, moving the four-time African club champions into first place in Group D for the time being.
Espérance began the match focused on retaining possession in the hot conditions and it was a successful tactic. Hosts Sagrada, hoping for an upset following a 5-1 humiliation in their first Group D match against Egypt's Pyramids FC, could not find much of an attacking rhythm.
The visitors from Tunisia came closest to scoring in the 27th minute when a free kick service was headed across the goal by Brazilian striker Rodrigo Rodrigues but EST defender Mohamed Amine Tougai could not finish from close range. Early in the second half, an EST corner kick was cleared out to the edge of the penalty area for an open shot but young midfielder Abdramane Konaté scuffed a weak effort wide.
Despite conceding possession for long stretches, Sagrada defended well and kept the favorites from creating a golden opportunity to earn their first point in the group stage. "We played a very, very bad game and did not create any opportunities. We lost two points today and I am not happy when we play like this," said EST coach Laurentiu Reghecampf following the match.
Next week the Angolan club travel to Mali to face Djoliba AC in a must-win match for any ambitions of reaching the next stage while Espérance clash with fellow Group D favorites Pyramids.
Highlights
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