French coach Bertrand Marchand boasted ahead of the African club football showpiece that Tunisian outfit Etoile Sahel would punish opponents he claimed were ageing, off-form, lucky and over-reliant on experience.

French coach Bertrand Marchand boasted ahead of the African club football showpiece that Tunisian outfit Etoile Sahel would punish opponents he claimed were ageing, off-form, lucky and over-reliant on experience.

But apart from a couple of defensive slips, Egyptian giants Al-Ahly were never troubled as they continued the pursuit not only of a third title in a row but also a record sixth success in a competition they first won 25 years ago.

In a game of missed opportunities, Etoile were robbed by the woodwork while Ahly had two genuine penalty appeals rejected. The score ended 0-0. The second leg is in Cairo on November 9.

The CAF Champions League final is available to viewers of the African Soccer Television show, which screens on SABC1 Sport's Laduma programme on Sunday at 2.30pm.

Viewers can also see how Royal Armed Forces, runners-up in the last two Moroccan league campaigns, opened up a four-point lead after a 1-0 win over Mouloudia Oudja.

Defending champions Olym- pique Khouribga catapulted from eighth place to second after their 2-0 home win over early season leaders Jeunesse Massira.

Locals will also cherish the highlights of Bafana Bafana's revenge over against Zambia's Chipolopolo, whom the pasted 4-3 on penalties in the Cosafa Castle Cup final.

Kaizer Chiefs' hard-fought 1-0 win over a gallant SuperSport United in the quarterfinal of the Telkom Knockout also takes pride of place on the highlights package. - Sello Rabothata and Sapa-AFP