The Tunisian giants were expected to book last-four berth after holding Setif to a goalless draw in the first leg in Algiers last week but they were caught cold at their own venue in Rades.

Setif scored what proved to be the winner on 21 minutes following a defensive mistake.

Full-back Raed Fadaa was robbed on the right flank and Riyad Benayad threaded a superb pass to Abdelmoumene Djabou, who rounded the keeper and slotted home from a tight angle.

Needing two goals to go through, Esperance pushed forward but failed to even equalise.

They came close to scoring in stoppage time but Mohamed Tougai's header struck the bar.

Setif will face the winner of Wednesday's other quarter-final clash between reigning champions Ahly of Egypt and Moroccan side Raja.

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