MAS Fes were denied victory by a 93rd-minute equaliser from ASEC Mimosas in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round preliminary tie, while Esperance de Tunis suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Asswehly.
The Moroccan side appeared to be on course for a narrow win at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes on Sunday, having taken the lead through Noureddine Oussama in the 31st minute.
Oussama was found near the edge of the ASEC penalty area after Devin Titus had done well with his back to goal. The Moroccan midfielder then struck a decisive finish beyond Charles Folly and into the right side of the net.
Rui Almeida’s team held that advantage until stoppage time, when ASEC Mimosas levelled in the 90th minute and three minutes. The late goal leaves MAS Fes with a 1-1 draw to defend when the sides meet again in Cote d’Ivoire on 25 October.
The result could prove costly for the Moroccan club because of the away-goals rule, which remains a factor in the tie.
Esperance face decisive second leg
Earlier on Sunday, Esperance de Tunis were beaten 1-0 by Asswehly at the Misrata Stadium in Misrata, Libya.
The only goal of the match arrived in the 64th minute, leaving Youcef Belaili and his team-mates with a difficult task in the return fixture at Rades on 24 October.
Esperance must win by two goals to secure their place in the group stage. The Tunisian club have not missed a CAF Champions League final phase since 2017.
The defeat means the Sang et Or will need a much-improved result on home soil if they are to maintain that record.
