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.