Esperance secured their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a commanding 2-0 victory over Petro Atletico, while Stade Malien confirmed top spot in Group D after edging Simba SC 1-0 in the final round of matches on Saturday.
The Tunisian giants delivered under pressure at the Rades Stadium, producing a composed second-half display to eliminate the Angolan side and finish second in the group.
After a cautious first half marked by disciplined defending and limited clear chances, the breakthrough arrived immediately after the restart. Aboubacar Diakité struck in the 46th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure to give Esperance the lead and swing momentum firmly in their favour.
As Petro committed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, gaps began to appear at the back. Jacques Diarra exploited one such opening in the 81st minute, finishing confidently to double Esperance’s advantage and extinguish any lingering doubts about qualification.
The result lifts Esperance to nine points, securing second place behind Stade Malien, who concluded the group stage with 11 points.