A second-half goal from Hicham Bousfiane earned Morocco's Wydad Casablanca a 1-0 home victory over Tunisian side Esperance in the first leg of their crunch African Football League semi-final.
Bousfiane found the breakthrough just before the hour mark at Stade Mohamed V as Wydad claimed a slender advantage to take into Wednesday's return fixture in Tunis.
In front of a raucous sell-out crowd, Wydad started brightly but were unable to capitalise on heavy early pressure.
Esperance goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia made some important interventions, before Bousfiane pounced to put the hosts ahead.
His deceptive near post finish gave Ben Cherifia no chance as Wydad's probing was finally rewarded 11 minutes into the second period.
Esperance almost levelled instantly as Anice Badri rattled the woodwork, underlining the tie's knife-edge nature.
Wydad substitute Zouhair El Moutaraji then clipped the bar late on as both sides had chances to add to the scoring.
But Bousfiane's solitary strike proved the difference as Wydad claimed a psychological boost, if not a definitive advantage.
The 1-0 victory represents a small measure of revenge for Wydad after their 2018 TotalEnergies Champions League final loss to Esperance.
But four-time African champions Esperance will still fancy their chances of overturning the deficit on home soil on Wednesday.
With the tie delicately poised at half-time, the second leg in the cauldron of Stade Olympique de Rades promises further drama and tension.
Yet Wydad know an away goal could prove decisive in settling this titanic semi-final battle.
Latest Stories
-
WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations: I’m not satisfied with the way we played – Laryea Kingston
14 mins -
Have confidence, trust in EC – Peace Council entreats political parties
31 mins -
Ato Forson warns of IMF deal disruption by end of year amid Cedi decline
40 mins -
Order your appointees to release FX stashed in their homes – Ato Forson to Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
Michael Baidoo scores and assists as Elfsborg thrash AIK
1 hour -
Former Minister recounts being mocked for using old car model after leaving office
1 hour -
Cash Waterfall Mechanism has been designed to benefit IPPs – VRA Senior Staff
2 hours -
Bawumia promises to guarantee regular payment of nurses trainee allowances
2 hours -
We would help Ghana cut down on cable imports – Fenice Founder
2 hours -
Government seeks to transform Ghanaian SMEs into millionaire companies
2 hours -
Visa waivers propel South Africa’s tourism sector with 2.4m visitors
2 hours -
WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations: It’s too early to celebrate – Laryea Kingston
2 hours -
Africa offers a fertile ground for Fintech startups to grow – Bawumia
3 hours -
Mahama promises joint effort to restore devastated ‘galamsey’ lands
3 hours -
Financial inclusion key to Africa’s development – Deputy Governor of BOG
3 hours