Hicham Bousfiane scored as Morocco's Wydad Casablanca beat Esperance of Tunisia 1-0 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca in the first leg of the CAF League semifinals on Sunday.
The runners-up of the CAF Champions League in the last edition need to avoid defeat or draw by any result in the second leg in Tunisia on the first of November to reach the final of the tournament created by the African Union (CAF).
Bousfian sent a cross that deceived Esperance goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia in the 59th minute and found his own net.
⚽️🔥 Wydad ignite the summit with a great goal #CAF-League | #الوداد_الترجي #AFL pic.twitter.com/rxUCPa7ahh
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 29, 2023
Wydad dominated the match and their players missed many precious chances that they may regret a lot in the return match in Tunisia.
A header from Al-Sharqi Al-Bahri passed next to the left post midway through the half before a header from Ayoub Al-Amloud lacked accuracy and passed next to the same post in the 36th minute.
Amine Abou El Fath then tried but Ben Cherifia successfully saved his shot.
Esperance's first chance came when Rodriguez tried with a header that Wydad goalkeeper Youssef El Moutia successfully kept out four minutes before the break.
The crossbar stood in front of Wydad's attempt to score again immediately after taking the lead, as a header from the sea responded to prevent him from making the score 2-<>.
Wydad block Wydad's second 🔥❌🥅 goal #الوداد_الترجي #دوري_كرة_القدم_الأفريقي | #SSC pic.twitter.com/alSiFWHJ6S
— Saudi Sports SSC (@ssc_sports) October 29, 2023
The Esperance players looked for an equaliser and Ghaith Al Wahabi fired from close range but the obedient goalkeeper controlled the ball 20 minutes from the end.
A dangerous opportunity for Esperance and defensive valor for Wydad 🔥 players #الوداد_الترجي #دوري_كرة_القدم_الأفريقي | #SSC pic.twitter.com/sMWPmTkndt
— Saudi Sports SSC (@ssc_sports) October 29, 2023
The winner of this clash will play in the final against the winner of Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
CAF Champions League champions Al Ahly lost 1-<> to hosts Sundowns earlier in the day.