Club Africain claimed a 1-0 win over CS Constantine at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui on Friday night in a CAF Champions League Group D fixture.
Constantine were quick on the attack after a corner from Ali Lamri allowed him to power down the flank to play in a low cross, but the danger was averted.
Africain were under attack as a corner for Constantine found its way to Fouad Haddad who returned possession to Lamri to load in a cross for Houcine Benayad, but his header was mistimed.
Constantine were then forced to defend after Africain managed to pick up openings inside their defensive lines, but strong defending from Nasreddine Zaalan kept them on course.
The Tunisians were playing some high tempo, fluid football and came close again in the 18th minute when Hamza Agrebi found Oussama Darragi with a well-executed backheel to the path of the attacking midfielder whose shot was well palmed away by Rahmani.
Chances were coming thick and fast for both sides and soon after, Constantine almost scored completely against the run of play after brilliant work down the left-hand side by Fouad Haddad who fed Ismail Belkacemi but the striker’s effort was parried away by Aymen Mathlouthi.
In the 30th minute, Rodrigue Kossi was put through on goal by Darragi, but Rahmani saved well, this time with his feet.
The efforts of Africain were rewarded a minute before the break with Burkina Faso striker Bassirou Compaore slotting in the lone goal of the match.
After a low-key half-and-hour spell, the notable opening fell to Kossi with just the goalkeeper to beat, but he powered his effort too high over the post.
Later, Abdi was given a similar opportunity after being sent one-on-one by Zouheir Dhaouad, but opted for the same sequence as his teammate with a powering attempt.
In the final minutes, Constantine threw everything forward to probe the visitor’s defense but there was simply no way through, as the Tunisians held on for a massive win.
The Teams
CS Constantine: Rahmani, Arroussi, Bencherifa (Bissene 54′), Benayada, Zaâlani, Chahrour, Lamri, Yattou, Bahamboula, Hadded, Belkacemi (Beldjilali 69′).
Club Africain: Mathlouthi, Ifa, Jaziri, Agrebi, Abdi, Ayachi, Dhaouadi (Chamakhi 87′), Darragi, Kossi (Khefifi 90’+1), Ayadi, Compaore (Sasraku 74′).
