Espérance de Tunis suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Espérance Sportive de Zarzis in a fifth-round Ligue 1 clash. This is the Blood and Gold’s first loss of the season and comes on the back of a string of disappointing results that have left fans increasingly concerned.
From the first whistle, the playing conditions proved to be a major challenge. The poor pitch at the Zarzis stadium significantly hampered Espérance’s usual technical style of play. Passes were off target, control was erratic, and every attempt to build up play was thwarted by the uneven surface. Meanwhile, ES Zarzis displayed great aggression, pressing high and dominating the duels. This intensity immediately unsettled the Blood and Gold, who struggled to gain the upper hand.
The only goal of the game came in the 17th minute. Following a poorly cleared corner, a shaky Espérance defense failed to clear the danger, allowing Yosri Dhaflaoui to find the net after a scramble in the box. A powerful strike that left Memmiche with no chance, giving ESZ a 1-0 lead. This goal galvanized the home side, who continued to play with ferocious intensity, while Espérance, timid in their response, failed to trouble goalkeeper Charfi.
The first half ended with the score at 1-0, despite some fruitless attempts from the Blood and Gold.
At the break, Espérance coach Miguel Cardoso made three changes to inject new life into the attack. Despite a fine save from Memmiche in the 49th minute to prevent a second goal, chances for Espérance were few and far between. Sowe, well-placed in the 53rd minute, blazed his shot high over the bar. Zaddem tried his luck in the 62nd minute, but his shot went wide.
ES Zarzis managed their lead well, slowing the game down and committing numerous fouls to disrupt the rhythm. Espérance’s attempts continued, but to no avail: Meriah missed a free-kick from Belaïli in the 67th minute, Mokwena failed to control a pass from Bouguerra that could have led to an equalizer in the 73rd minute, and Ben Ali, in the 90th minute, also sent his shot off target.
Despite dominating possession, Espérance never really looked capable of getting back into the game. Too sloppy in their attacking play and lacking creativity, they succumbed to a more clinical opponent.
This defeat is a bitter pill to swallow: Espérance drop to sixth in the table and have now suffered three consecutive setbacks. A resurgence is expected next Saturday when they host Club Athlétique Bizertin at the Stade de Radès. Time is running out for the Blood and Gold, who must quickly rediscover their form and confidence to turn things around.
EST Lineup: Memmiche, Ben Ali, Ben Mohamed (Ben Hamida 68'), Meriah(c), Tougaï, Aholou (Mokwena 61'), Zaddem, Tka (Ayeb 46'), Sasse (Sowe 46'), Belaïli and Kada (Bouguerra 46').
Booked: Bouguerra.