Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis failed to reach the Champions League quarters despite their 2-1 home win over Sudan's Al-Merrikh in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Sunday in Tunis.

The Tunisian champions exited the continental competition on the away goal rule following a 2-2 aggregate draw as they lost the first-leg 1-0 two weeks earlier in Sudan.

Al-Merreikh stunned the hosts with an early goal in the 14th minute through striker Ahmed Abdallah.

The visitors had to wait until the 69th minute when Cameroonian striker Yannick N'Djeng scored the equaliser and defender Arbi jabeur added the second in injury time.

Earlier in the day, DR Congo side TP Mazembe reached the group stage after their 2-1 second-leg win over Malian side Stade Malien, going through with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

The four-time African Champions were held to 2-2 away draw by Stade Malien in the first leg.    

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