Tunisia giants, Esperance are through to the quarter-finals of CAF Champions league after a hard fought 2-2 draw away to DR Congo’s AS Vita in a match played at Complexe Omnisport Stade des Martyrs on Saturday night.

With the result it now means that AS Vita are out of contention for a quarters slot with one game to go.

The single point earned ensured Tunisians maintained their top position of Group C with nine points from five matches, followed in second place by Mamelodi Sundowns on eight points after beating St George 1-0 earlier on Saturday.

AS Vita made a promising start, but with the home side failing to get any clear chances in on goal, Esperance grew increasingly confident as the half progressed.

And with the atmosphere growing more tense by the minute, the vistors shocked the AS Vita supporters into silence in 11th minute when Taha Khenisi sent a powerful strike into the back on the net.

Having spoken about his team’s weakness at defending set-pieces ahead of the match,Esperance coach was unsurprisingly left fuming in the dug-out.

AS Vita pushed and probed for openings, but found chances hard to come by against a confident and determined Esperance defence.

The home side remained calm and teit efforts were rewarded in the 24th minute when a cross from Ngonda Muzinga was headed by Agiti Muzing for an equalizer.

After Etekiama again suprised the visitors when he headed home six minutes later to give the Dolphins the lead on the half-hour mark.

Finally, the visitors got an equaliser when Taha Khenissi slotteda penalty after AS Vita defender Kupa Makwewe fouled Fakhedfine Ben Youssef in the area,a challenge that saw home side reducd to ten men.

Esperance will be in action again on Sunday next wèek when they host Saint George of Ethiopia while AS Vita will be in South Africa to face defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.