Etoile send 10-man Raja packing

by Stephane DeSaintsalvy

Sunday Jun 07, 2015. 22:55

Etoile Sportive du Sahel advanced to the Confederation Cup group stage, after defeating Raja Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate in the playoffs of the continental tournament.

The Tunisians overturned a two-goal deficit by sealing a 3-0 win over the ‘Green Devils’ at Sousse’s Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

READ: Raja take first leg advantage

One man up after 17 minutes of play as Raja defender Abdeljalil Jbira received his marching orders for a second booking, Etoile took the lead through Baghdad Bounedjah in the 20^th minute.

The Algeria international striker doubled their advantage five minutes later, to send the locals into the break with a two-goal advantage.

Etoile defender Alaya Brigui added to Raja’s misery in the 72^nd minute, to give his side the edge for the first time over the two legs.

Central African midfielder Vianney Mabidey came close to pulling a crucial goal back for the visitors two minutes from time, but Etoile managed to hold onto their three-goal cushion to progress to the last eight.

The Sousse-based outfit will battle Al Ahly, Stade Malien and fellow Tunisian side Espérance de Tunis in Group A.

READ: 2015 CAF Confederation Cup