Despite a match played behind closed doors and a significant squad rotation by coach Laurentiu Reghecampf in preparation for the Tunisian Super Cup, Espérance de Tunis managed to overcome a difficult situation and secure a 3-2 victory against ES Métlaoui. This Ligue 1 clash took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Rades stadium, as part of the 19th round.
Deprived of their fans' support and with eight changes to the starting lineup compared to their last match against Stade Tunisien, the Blood and Gold struggled to find their rhythm. Although they dominated possession, they lacked fluidity in their build-up play and conceded the opening goal from one of the few opposing attacks.
As early as the 7th minute, a first warning came from Boubacar Diakité, who found himself one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper, but his attempt was saved. The following minutes saw some chances from both sides, but no real danger materialized.
It was in the 22nd minute that ES Métlaoui opened the scoring through Ahmed Bouassida, who headed home a long cross, capitalizing on an uncalled foul on Tougaï to give the visitors the lead (0-1). Espérance tried to react but lacked efficiency, with Mouhli failing to convert a golden opportunity a few meters from goal (34') and Jebali's powerful shot going over the bar (38').
Aware of the difficulties faced in the first half, coach Reghecampf made four substitutions at halftime: Ben Hamida, Tka, Mokwana, and Jabri came on and radically changed the team's dynamic.
In the 49th minute, a shot from Jebali in the box was deflected by the arm of an ESM defender, forcing the referee to award a penalty. Yan Sasse calmly converted the spot-kick to level the score (1-1, 50').
Espérance continued to press and, in the 52nd minute, Jabri scored the second goal with a powerful shot that was deflected by a defender, inadvertently lobbing his own goalkeeper (2-1).
The Blood and Gold's dominance continued and was rewarded in the 75th minute with a magnificent team move: a precise cross from Ben Hamida was headed on by Tka, finding Jabri who finished with an unstoppable shot to score his second goal and extend the lead (3-1).
ES Métlaoui tried to fight back and took advantage of a defensive lapse by Espérance in the 81st minute to reduce the deficit with a well-executed free-kick by Mohamed Amine Kenaissi (3-2). However, Espérance managed the end of the match well and secured another important victory in the race for the title.
This win, although hard-fought, once again demonstrates Espérance's character. Capable of reacting after a difficult first half, Reghecampf's team continues to widen the gap at the top of Ligue 1 and sends a strong message ahead of the Tunisian Super Cup next Sunday.
Well done to the Blood and Gold for this reaction and this great victory!
EST lineup: Memmiche, Bouzaïène, Ben Mohamed (Ben Hamida 46'), Smiri, Tougaï(c) (Tka 46'), Guennichi, Jebali (Jelassi 71'), Ogbelu, Sasse, Mouhli (Mokwana 46') and Diakité (Jabri 46').
Booked: Bouzaïène.