Esperance de Tunis kicked off the new Ligue 1 season with a resounding 3-0 victory over US Tataouine, setting a high bar for the rest of the campaign. In a festive atmosphere at the Radès Stadium, the Blood and Gold not only delivered a top-notch performance but also showcased their dominance throughout the match. The game was further elevated by the presentation of the previous season's championship trophy, celebrated amidst a sea of jubilant fans.
From the first whistle, Esperance exhibited their attacking intent, breaking the deadlock in the 6th minute. Ben Hamida finished off a well-worked move started by Abdelli with an unstoppable shot, setting the tone for the game. A minute later, Tka came close to doubling the lead, highlighting the constant pressure exerted by Cardoso's men on the US Tataouine defense.
Esperance's dominance continued with fluid passing and repeated chances. In the 13th minute, Derbali's powerful strike narrowly missed the target, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats. This dominance was rewarded in the 45th minute when Youcef Belaïli scored the second goal. After a skillful feint that bamboozled the opposing defense, Belaïli unleashed an unstoppable shot, doubling the lead just before halftime.
But the Blood and Gold were not done yet. In the dying moments of the first half, Brazilian striker Yan Sasse added a third goal, expertly finished off a clever pass from Tka. The 3-0 halftime score accurately reflected Esperance's superiority on the pitch.
After the break, Esperance maintained the same tempo, looking to extend their lead. In the 58th minute, Yassine Meriah came close to scoring a fourth goal with a powerful header that grazed the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Abdelli's shot was parried away by the post, leaving the Esperance fans disappointed but still hopeful.
Esperance's continued dominance showcased a team brimming with confidence, with relentless attempts to increase their lead. In the 68th minute, Yan Sasse forced the US Tataouine goalkeeper into a difficult save with a powerful shot that deserved a better outcome. Substitute Konaté also had a chance to shine, coming face-to-face with the opposing goalkeeper in the 75th minute but lacking the composure to finish.
As the game drew to a close, Kada also had a chance, but his shot flew wide of the post. Despite these missed opportunities, Esperance's complete dominance was never in doubt. The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved 3-0 victory for Esperance de Tunis, who have made a flying start to their season.
The match ended on a high note with the presentation of the previous season's championship trophy, celebrated with fervor by players and fans alike. This festive atmosphere marks a promising start to the season for Esperance de Tunis, who are determined to defend their title with the same intensity and commitment.
EST Lineup: Memmiche, Bouchniba, Ben Hamida (Ben Mohamed 63'), Meriah(c), Tougaî, Aholou (Azouni 64'), Derbali (Konaté 72'), Tka, Sasse (Mokwana 78'), Belaïli and Abdelli (Kada 63').