Mohamed Ben Romdhane struck a first half hattrick as Esperance saw off Botswana debutants Jwaneng Galxy 4-0 in their opening Group C match in Rades on Saturday. Kingsley Eduwo added a fourth late on as the Tunisian giants stormed to the top of the group.
Playing at home against the Botswana rookies, Esperance were clear favourites and they made their presence felt as early as the first minute when Ben Romdhane struck the opener.
The midfielder swung in a brilliant volley from the edge of the box after being set up by Hamdou Elhouni.
The home side then made it 2-0 after 29 minutes, Ben Romdhane adding his second with a ferocious left foot strike from the edge of the box after being set up by Sabir Bougrine.
He completed his hattrick in the 32nd minute with another neat finish, his combination with Elhouni providing a goal once again. Elhouni moved swiftly on the left before cutting back a cross that his mate swept into the net.
Despite going down, Jwaneng were still playing with courage and they had a good chance to score when Jabulani Dhadhla found some shooting space inside the box but dragged his shot just wide.
In the second half, Esperance took ease of the game, passing the ball around comfortably around the park and threatening when they had a chance to.
They ultimately got their fourth goal when Eduwo scored with a deflected strike inside the box after being set up by Rached Arfaoui.
Source: CAF
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He is also a father of 4 children and married to His partner Moana who is of Australian descent. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
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