Defending champions Esperance held TP Mazmbe of the DR Congo to a goalless away draw in the first leg of the African Champions League semi-final on Saturday.

Chances were few and far between in a cautious first half, with Esperance's tight defence making life difficult for the hosts.

Mazembe failed to trouble the visitors before the break. It was Esperance who had the best chance when a low drive by Karim Aouadhi was blocked by Mazembe keeper Muteba Kidiaba.

However, Esperance survived a Mazembe onslaught in the second half.

The four-time African champions were unlucky not to go ahead after 53 minutes when a free header by Ally Samatta went over the bar. Esperance's keeper Moez Ben Cherifia also came to his side's rescue when he palmed a powerful shot from Mazembe.

Mazembe, who finished with ten men after Stopila Sunzu was dismissed in stoppage time for a second bookable offence, almost snatched a win in the dying seconds but Kasongo Ngandu was guilty of a glaring miss after firing wide with the goal at his mercy.

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