Tunisian giant Etoile du Sahel have ended Asante Kotoko CAF Champions League dream after smashing the Porcupines at the Stade Mustapha Ben Jannet in Monastir today.
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It was a three unanswered goals that ensured that the Sahel based club progress to the group stage of the ongoing CAF Champions League campaign.
Etoile du Sahel who were aiming at turning a 2-0 deficit inflicted on them in the first-leg at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, started the game very well, piling pressure on the Asante Kotoko defenders for the early goal.
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The center referee awarded a penalty to the home side in the 22nd minute of the match of which Mortadha Ben Ouanes converted it beautifully to send the Sahel based club to the lead.
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The Porcupines quickly regrouped and started piling pressure on Etoile du Sahel for the equalizer but all to no avail as the first half ended 1-0 for the home side.
The second half started with both teams sharing the possession in the early minutes.
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Karim Ariri netted the second goal for the home side in the 66th minute from Lahmar Hamza’ cross.
The Tunisians continued to mount pressure on the Porcupines for the decider but goalkeeper Felix Annan became the hero as he made two crucial saves in the 68th and the 70th minute of the match.
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Etoile du Sahel were reduced to ten men as Ben Aziza was red carded in the 80th minute for his bad tackle on Richard Arthur.
As if the red card will deter them from attacking, Etoile du Sahel continued to show dominance leading to Karim Ariri second goal which was the final goal for the home side.
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The victory means Asante Kotoko have been relegated to the CAF Confederation Cup playoffs which start next month with Etoile du Sahel progressing to the group stages of the Competition.
