Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane scored a hat-trick as Esperance de Tunis defeated Botswana amateurs Jwaneng Galaxy 4-0 in a 2021/2022 CAF Champions League, Group C opener at the Stade Olympique de Rades on the evening of Saturday.
The win sees Esperance at the top of Group C with three points while CR Belouizdad and Etoile du Sahel occupying joint second after playing to a goalless draw in the other group match on Friday night.
Esperance got off to the dream start on the opening minute, as unmarked Romdhane met Sabir Bougrine’s pass before firing past Galaxy goalkeeper Ezekiel Morake.
Galaxy were up to chase for an equalizer, as seven minutes later Thabo Leinanyane went through on goal in the box from Savio abugo’s defence-splitting pass but he dragged his shot wide.
The Blood and Gold had attacking momentum and Romdhane found his second goal on the 23rd minute after going through down the middle before sending sweeping effort into the gaping net.
Radhi Jaidhi’s side doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Romdhane’s close range strike was deflected into the bottom corner, after the striker cut into the area from a tight angle.
Lucky Makone nearly scored for Galaxy in the 40th minute, as he combined well with Doctor Davis, before firing a long range effort just wide of the upright.
Esperance lead went into the break leading Galaxy 3-0.
The Tunisians settled the quickest in the second stanza as they nearly extended their lead after six minutes but Anayo Iwuala’s shot went over the bar.
Galaxy a tried to reduced deficit as the half went on, as their coach introduced Wendell Rudath, who troubled the Esperance defence following his introduction.
However, Esperance managed to grab a fourth goal in the 78th minute as Kingsley Eduwo was quickest to react to a loose ball to head home from six-yards out, after Galaxy had failed to deal with Coulibaly’s defence-splitting ball.
Esperance are next in action Group C away to CR Belouizdad on Saturday, 19 February while Galaxy are at home the same night against Etoile du Sahel .
