This was the first-ever meeting between the two teams, with JS Omrane making their Ligue 1 debut this season. Before kickoff, the visitors were in 9th place with 12 points, while Espérance, in 7th with 16 points, aimed to climb the table, as high as 5th place, just two points behind the leaders.
For this match, Laurentiu Reghecampf fielded an unusual defense with Ben Hamida at the heart and Ben Mohamed as a right-back. A choice that proved solid against a determined but relatively harmless JSO side.
After a first quarter of an hour without any notable chances, the Blood and Gold gradually gained the upper hand. The first warning came in the 17th minute with a header from Jelassi, followed by attempts from Konaté (23rd) and Rodrigues (25th). The dominance finally paid off in the 28th minute when Konaté, after a cross, forced a hand ball in the box. Rodrigues converted the penalty in the 31st, giving Espérance the lead.
Despite some efforts at the end of the first half, notably a dangerous strike from Konaté (45th), the score remained 1-0 at the break.
The second half started under the same auspices. Rodrigues, already decisive, doubled the lead in the 56th minute. On a corner from Bouchniba, slightly deflected, the Brazilian volleyed the ball home, sealing the fate of the match.
After this second goal, the pace dropped. Both teams seemed to accept the outcome of the match. Espérance proved pragmatic, managing their lead without taking unnecessary risks, especially as JSO displayed an aggressive, sometimes borderline, game without being punished by the referee.
With this victory, Espérance climbs to 5th place in the standings with 19 points, just two points behind the current leaders. A satisfactory performance that gives momentum ahead of the next challenges.
Well done to the Blood and Gold! Today's objective has been achieved, and the supporters can rejoice in a solid performance that rekindles the team's ambitions in the league.
EST lineup: Memmiche, Bouchniba (Ben Ali 65'), Ben Mohamed, Ben Hamida (c), Jelassi, Aholou (Ogbelu 65'), Tka, Konaté (Ayeb 65'), Mokwana (Azouni 84'), Bouguerra (Maâcha 46') and Rodrigues.
Yellow card: Aholou.