CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Etoile du Sahel 1-0 Orlando Pirates
Date: 29 November 2015
Venue: Stade Olympique de Sousse
Etoile du Sahel became CAF Confederation Cup champions, after securing a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates in the second leg on Sunday afternoon.
The opening exchanges proved to be an even affair, although the home side looked more threatening with the pace of Baghad Bounedjah.
The Buccaneers had the first clear-cut opening in the 17th minute Thamsanqa Gabuza played in Thabo Rakhale, who dragged his effort wide of the mark from close range.
Etoile were dealt a blow in the 20th minute when top scorer, Bounedjah, got injured after a crunch tackle from Ayanda Gcaba.
However, despite the loss of their star striker, Etoile broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, as Felipe Ovono failed to deal with Happy Jele's poor clearance and Ammar Jemal poked home with his second goal of the tie.
Eric Tinkler's side made a number of sloppy passes, especially as they tried to play from the back, while they spent most of the half chasing the Etoile players.
The home side went into the break with a deserved one-goal lead.
Pirates enjoyed a brighter start to the second half, as the likes of Happy Jele and Gabuza went close with efforts of their own.
Rakhale was presented with another glorious chance in the 58th minute but the winger's poor first touch allowed Mathlouthi to collect from 12-yards out.
The visitors looked threatening from dead-ball situations and they nearly doubled their advantage in the 65th when Acosta headed over from close range.
Tinkler decided to change things after the 70-minute mark, as he introduced Menzi Masuku and Sifiso Myeni for Makola and Myeni.
Mathlouthi was called upon in the 85th minute, as he got across his line well to keep out Gabuza's effort from the edge of the area.
Sifiso Myeni nearly leveled matters for Pirates int he 89th minute but his curling free-kick was brilliantly saved by Mathlouthi, as Etoile held on for the win to be crowned Confederation Cup champions.
Here's how they lined up:
Eotile du Sahel: Mathlouthi, Nagguez, Jamel, Boughattas, Tej, Trabelsi, Kom, Lahmar, Brigui, Msakni, Bounedjah
Orlando Pirates: Ovono, Jele, Sangweni, Gcaba, Matlaba, Masalesa, Motupa, Makola, Rakhale, Gabuza, Erasmus
