MAS Fes were denied victory by a 93rd-minute equaliser from ASEC Mimosas in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary play-off, while Esperance de Tunis suffered a 1-0 defeat by Asswehly in Libya.

The result will be particularly frustrating for MAS Fes, who appeared on course to take a narrow advantage into the return fixture after leading for most of the match at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes.

Noureddine Oussama put the Moroccan side ahead in the 31st minute. After Devin Titus had done well with his back to goal, he supplied the midfielder near the edge of the penalty area. Oussama then sent an unstoppable effort into the right-hand side of Charles Folly’s goal.

Rui Almeida’s team held on to that advantage until stoppage time, but ASEC Mimosas struck in the 90th minute plus three to secure a draw.

MAS Fes will now travel to Cote d’Ivoire for the second leg on 25 October. The late concession could prove costly because of the away-goals rule.

Earlier on Sunday, Esperance de Tunis were beaten 1-0 by Asswehly at Misrata Stadium in Misrata, Libya.

The only goal came in the 64th minute, leaving Youcef Belaili and his team-mates with a difficult task in the return match at Rades on 24 October. Esperance de Tunis must win by two clear goals to reach the group stage.

The defeat was a rare setback in the club’s recent CAF Champions League record. The Sang et Or have reached every final phase of the competition since 2017.