Esperance close in on Champions League last 16

African Champions League holders Esperance are on the verge of qualifying for the competition's round of 16 after holding Gambian side Brikama to a 1-1 draw away from home on Saturday. A fourth-minute goal by Wajdi Bouazzi gave Esperance an early lead but Brikama salvaged a draw with a 15th-minute strike. The Tunisian side were given a bye into the round of 32 while Brikama secured passage to the second knockout round after crushing Senegal’s US Ouakam 3-1on aggregate.   Esperance's compatriots Etoile Sahel also closed in on a last-16 place after settling for a goalless draw away to Rwanda's APR.