One of the worst challenges in football history occurred in the African Champions League between Al Ittihad Tripoli and Esperance de Tunis on Sunday.After a 0-0 draw in Libya, the tie was finely poised going into the second leg in Tunisia.Esperance de Tunis took the lead in the 63rd minute through Nassim Ben Khalifa.Al Ittihad had their backs up against the wall and their hopes of progressing were almost dashed 12 minutes later when their goalkeeper, Muad Allafi, was given his marching orders.Hamdou Elhouni was presented with a golden opportunity to score his side's second and effectively finish off the tie.But he was completely wiped out by Allafi, who rushed out of his goal and floored his opponent with a flying kick to the neck.Watch the moment below:

Ouch. That has to be one of the most brutal challenges ever seen on a football pitch.

Allafi was, quite rightly, shown a red card.

Although he clearly didn't think he should have been shown a red card as he squared up to the referee in protest.

Elhouni was on the ground in some pain and he had to be substituted. He was later taken to hospital.

An image of the injury to his neck has emerged. View it below...

Espérance de Tunis were livid and referred to the incident as an 'assassination attempt' on their Twitter account.

Fortunately, the Tunisian club also confirmed that their player was recovering well.

They wrote: "The video of the assassination attempt on Hamdou Elhouni went around the world. Too bad, it gives a bad image on African football...

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"We want to reassure everyone: Hamdou Elhouni miraculously did well!"

Allafi, meanwhile, later showed remorse for his actions as he visited his countryman in hospital. He posted an image of the two on Instagram and apologised for his challenge.

Everyone at GiveMeSport is relieved to hear Elhouni is doing well and we hope he's back on the football pitch as soon as possible.