In a fiercely contested derby at the Stade de Radès for the third round of Ligue 1, Espérance de Tunis was held to a 2-2 draw by Stade Tunisien. This match, which was expected to be a mere formality for the Blood and Gold, took an unexpected turn with two goals conceded in the first half, before Espérance managed to turn the tide in the second half.
From the start, Espérance took the initiative with early chances. In the 10th minute, a first shot from Aholou, narrowly saved by goalkeeper Sami Helal, set the tone for the home side's dominance. In the 19th minute, Yan Sasse, with a powerful strike, once again tested Helal, but the latter produced another fine save.
Despite clear dominance, Espérance was caught against the run of play in the 33rd minute. A misunderstanding between Ben Hamida and his goalkeeper Memmiche was exploited by Stade Tunisien striker Youssouf Oumarou, who made no mistake in scoring the first goal, 0-1. The hammer blow fell in the 41st minute: Oumarou, once again, doubled the lead after a good run by Mejri, who dribbled past Tougaï before serving his teammate, 0-2. A nightmarish first half for the Blood and Gold, who went into the break reeling.
At half-time, coach Cardoso wasted no time in reacting. Three decisive changes were made: Azouni, Konaté, and Kada came on to reorganize the midfield and inject new energy into the attack. These adjustments quickly paid off. From the 46th minute, Espérance regained control of the match, suffocating Stade Tunisien who were unable to get out of their own half.
The reward came in the 53rd minute when Espérance was awarded a penalty after a foul on Ben Hamida in the box. Meriah, coolly, converted the spot-kick and reduced the deficit, 1-2. Euphoria swept through the stands and the Blood and Gold continued their push. In the 62nd minute, the long-awaited equalizer arrived thanks to Kada, who headed in a pinpoint cross from Tka, 2-2.
Despite numerous attempts in the closing stages, including a golden opportunity for Tougaï in the 85th minute, Espérance failed to find a third goal. The match eventually ended in a 2-2 draw.
This draw leaves a bitter taste for Espérance de Tunis, who largely dominated the game but paid dearly for their defensive errors in the first half. The tactical adjustments made at half-time saved a point, but the Blood and Gold can have regrets, as they deserved to win this encounter.
Espérance will need to learn from this match and find consistency to continue their pursuit of the league title.
EST starting lineup: Memmiche, Bouchniba, Ben Hamida (Ben Mohamed 63'), Meriah(c), Tougaï, Aholou (Azouni 46'), Derbali (Konaté 46'), Tka, Sasse (Mokwana 81'), Belaïli, and Abdelli (Kada 46').