Taha Yassine Khenissi scored twice as Esperance du Tunis silenced Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the African Champions League at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria Friday.
The hard fought win takes the newly crowned Tunisian champions three points clear at the helm of group C with seven points – three more than Sundowns, who are the defending champions.
Khenissi, who was always a lingering danger, broke the deadlock in the 6th minute, after an early domination, latching onto a split pass, which left the floundering Sundowns’ defense flat footed, before unleashing a right foot low shot past hapless Ugandan goalkeeper Dennis Onynago.
Sundowns deservedly drew level in the 21st minute, after picking up their game, with Tobago Langerman getting on the tail end of Percy Tau’s left cross.
The match ended 1-1 at the breather. The second half was less colorful with a handful of meaningful chances being created.
The defining moment of the half and the entire match, however, come Esperance’s way in the 88th minute, when Ben Youssef was brought down tumbling in the forbidden area.
With mummers in the air over the referee’s decision, Khanessi stepped forward to slot with panache for his brace.
Sundowns will face Esperance in their next outing away in Tunisia on 21st June.
In the other group match, AS Vita Club of DR Congo will travel to Addis Ababa to face St. George on Sunday.
The Horsemen on two points after two matches could move second on the log with five points with a win over Vita, who are reeling from back to back defeats
