Esperance de Tunis were held to a goalless draw by GD Sagrada Esperança at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Angola tonight. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Blood and Gold had to settle for a 0-0 draw in their second group stage match of the CAF Champions League.

From the first whistle, Esperance, buoyed by their 4-0 victory over Djoliba AC in their opening match, took control of the game. Under the guidance of coach Laurentiu Reghecampf, the Tunisians pressed high and monopolized the ball, creating around fifteen clear-cut chances.

Rodrigo Rodrigues and Youcef Belaïli had golden opportunities in the first half, but their lack of precision, combined with an inspired opposing goalkeeper, kept the score level. The second half followed a similar pattern: a relentless Esperance attack unable to break down the Angolan defensive wall and a few threatening counter-attacks orchestrated by Beny Papel and Mussá for Sagrada.

Having been thrashed 5-1 by Pyramids FC in their opening match, the Angolan side showed much more defensive discipline. Supported by a noisy home crowd, the locals contained the Esperance onslaught and even caused a few scares in the Tunisian camp.

In the final minutes, the intensity increased. Frustrated at not finding a breakthrough, Hamza Jelassi and Houssem Tka were booked. Laurentiu Reghecampf did not hide his disappointment: "We played a very poor game. With so many chances, this result is disappointing."

Despite this frustrating draw, Esperance remain unbeaten and top of Group D with four points. Sagrada Esperança, for their part, pick up their first point of the competition, a small step forward after their initial defeat.

The other match in the group, scheduled for Sunday between Pyramids FC and Djoliba AC, could shake things up, but the Blood and Gold hold a slight advantage. However, they will need to be more clinical in front of goal in the upcoming matches to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

Esperance will need to learn from this evening to continue their continental journey with serenity and ambition.

Esperance lineup: Memmiche, Bouchniba, Ben Hamida(c), Jelassi, Tougaï, Aholou (Bouguerra 81'), Tka, Konaté (Ogbelu 70'), Mokwana (Maâcha 81'), Belaïli, and Rodrigues. 
Booked: Tka, Jelassi.

Groupe D Standings