Esperance Sportive de Tunis have exited the FIFA Club World Cup with pride but also with a lingering sense of what might have been. Facing Chelsea FC in their final Group D match, the Tunisian side showed resilience and tactical discipline but were undone by three goals conceded during stoppage time at the end of each half. Final score: 0-3.

Right from kickoff, Esperance signaled their intentions. Sitting deep in a structured block, they aimed to hit Chelsea on the break with their pacey frontline. South African winger Elias Mokwana caused early trouble for Malo Gusto down the flank, while Yan Sasse and Abdramane Konaté looked to exploit spaces left by Chelsea’s high defensive line.

Despite promising movement and several forays forward, Esperance failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match – a statistic that would ultimately define the game.

For 45 minutes, Maher Kanzari’s men stood firm against Chelsea’s possession-heavy approach. Bechir Ben Saïd made crucial saves, and the backline kept their shape, frustrating the Blues who could only manage two shots on target before halftime.

But disaster struck in stoppage time. At 45’+3, Tosin headed in from a set piece to open the scoring. Just two minutes later, Liam Delap struck a powerful low finish to double Chelsea’s lead. Two goals in two minutes – a brutal blow to Esperance’s hopes, just before the break.

With a two-goal cushion, Chelsea managed the second half comfortably. They dictated the tempo, limited risks, and continued probing for a third. Esperance, meanwhile, struggled to respond. The absence of star playmaker Youcef Belaïli was sorely felt, as the team lacked the creativity and precision needed to unlock Chelsea’s defense.

A potential penalty for Chelsea was overturned by VAR after a handball by Yassine Meriah was deemed unintentional. It was a lucky break for the Tunisians – but they couldn’t capitalize.

In the dying moments, Chelsea sealed the deal. Tyreek George’s shot in the 90’+7 was only half-stopped by Bechir Ben Saïd and trickled into the net to make it 0-3. The final score didn’t fully reflect Esperance’s resistance, but it highlighted the clinical nature of their English opponents.

Esperance finish third in a competitive group, behind Flamengo and Chelsea, with three points from their win over LAFC. They leave the tournament disappointed but proud, having challenged two world-class clubs on the global stage.

Special mention goes to the Sang et Or supporters, whose passion lit up the stadium in Philadelphia. They sang, they believed, and they honored the badge – even as the dream faded. Their presence and energy made a lasting impression on the world.

This Club World Cup campaign should be viewed as a learning experience and a foundation for the future. Esperance showed glimpses of their quality and competitiveness. With domestic and continental challenges ahead, the team now turns the page – stronger, more experienced, and hungry for more.

EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali, Ben Hamida, Meriah(c), Tougaï, Guenichi (Bouchniba 72'), Ogbelu, Konaté (Tka 83'), Mokwana (Derbali 46'), Sasse (Jebali 83') and Jabri (Rodrigues 56').
Booked: Derbali, Ogbelu, Ben Ali.