“You really have a good team” – 32-time Tunisian champions pay respect to Nigeria’s Plateau United

The thrilling playoff showdown between the two African sides ended in a controversial triumph for the Tunisians on Saturday

Reigning Tunisian champions Esperance Sportive de Tunisia has paid homage to NPFL representatives Plateau United following their CAF Champions League playoffs, Soccernet.ng reports.

Esperance made it to the group stage of the continent's premier club competition at the expense of Plateau United.

The 32-time Tunisian league winners defeated the former Nigerian champions 1-0 at Stade Olympique de Radès, courtesy of a controversial late penalty converted in the 81st minute of the clash.

Watch the video here:

Espérance Sportive de Tunis v Plateau United in Tunisia.

See where the foul took place and imagine the decision taken by referre by awarding a penalty…. pic.twitter.com/N1wF2Z7jaI

— Sopirinye Jaja (@Sopirinye) October 15, 2022

With the first leg ending 2-1 in favour of Plateau United in Lagos last week, the playoff finished 2-2 on aggregate, with Esperance progressing on the away-goal rule.

Plateau United will be disappointed that the referee's wrong call denied them the chance to go further in the Champions League.

While Esperance are in a jubilant mood, the Blood and Gold have recognised the stiff challenge that Plateau United presented over the two legs of the playoffs.

And in a Tweet posted on the club's official Twitter handle, Esperance showed their respect for the Jos-based side.

“You really have a good team. We wish you the best for the future,” the short statement stated.

https://twitter.com/ESTuniscom/status/1581442021558222849

Esperance are four-time winners of the CAF Champions League, with their latest triumph in the competition coming in 2019.