Etoile Sportive du Sahel have cruised past Gabon’s CF Mounana via a 2-0 win in their third round of CAF Confederation first leg tie on Friday night at Stade Olympique de Sousse in Sousse.

The hosts were the favourites to use their home advantage as they were expected to fight harder and maximise their chances of defending their crown.

Faouzi Benzarti’s men grabbed the lead on the stroke of half time through defender Zied Boughattas ensuring the Tunisian side went to the interval in the driving seat.

It was 1-0 at half time and the second stanza saw coach Kevin Ibinga’s side kept under pressure as the Diables Rouges probed for their second goal.

However, the Gabonese side finally succumbed to the attack when midfielder Mohammed Msakni netted their second in the 65th minute ensuring the hosts are comfortable.

Although the hosts pushed forward for their third goal, the Gabonese defended well and the final score was 2-0.

Ibinga will now have to ensure his charges are motivated and will aim to do better at home in the return leg set for 17 May 2016 at Stade Augustin Monédan de Sibang in Libreville.