Esperance thump Sunshine at home
by Humphrey Njoku 08 July 2012, 18:13
Title holders, Esperance of Tunisia defeated debutants, Sunshine Stars 2-0 in Group A tie of the Caf Champions League at Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu Ode on Sunday.
The Tunisian champions now top the group on superior goals after compatriots, Etoile de Sahel defeated its Algerian opposites, AS Chlef 1-0 in Algeria.
The North African side took the game to their hosts right from the blast of the whistle, showed maturity, confidence and clearly in full control of the ball.
Their domination of the game, at least, in the first 20 minutes was not in doubt and it was a matter of time for them to record an opening goal.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute when Msakni Youssef tapped in the goal beyond the reach of Sunshine Stars' goal keeper, Moses Ocheje.
Sunshine response was rapid but what would have been a clear equaliser from Godfrey Oboabona's set piece in the 22nd minutes was not well converted by striker, Azuka Izu as his shot hit the upright.
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The Nigerian side intensified the search for goal but it was the visitors that profited from the attacks as Ndjeng Joseph Yannick rallied his side to the second goal in the 45th minutes ending the first half 45 at 2-0.
Sunshine pulled out Osas Idehen for Olorundare at resumption of play still asking the question but met a stubborn and unyielding Tunisian side backline.
Ajani Ibrahim, Dayo Ojo, Azuka and Olorundare efforts for goal did not yield any dividend as most of their shots either hit the upright or stopped by the Tunisian goalkeeper who stood out to keep a clean slate.
It was a good second half efforts for the Nigerian side unfortunately it did nothing to help them from suffering first home defeat.
The nation's African competition survivors' next game is at Etoile de Sahel of Tunisia.
