Espérance de Tunis capped off an exceptional domestic season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stade Tunisien in the final of the 2025 Tunisian Cup. Nine years after their last triumph in this competition, the Blood and Gold lifted the Cup for a record 16th time — and more importantly, completed their sixth league-and-cup double in style.
The game kicked off with high intensity, as both sides pushed forward looking to seize early control. Yet despite the lively pace, clear-cut chances were few and far between. By the 30th minute, each team had created half-chances but failed to seriously test the opposing goalkeeper.
As the first half wore on, technical errors crept in, dulling the initial spark. The half-time whistle came with the score locked at 0-0 — a fair reflection of a tense but cautious opening 45 minutes.
The second half resumed in the same tactical fashion. Both teams remained disciplined, and shots on target continued to be a rarity. Espérance knew they had to break the deadlock to avoid being drawn into a nervy finish.
And break it they did — in spectacular fashion. In the 64th minute, a corner from Youcef Belaïli was poorly cleared by the Stade Tunisien defence. Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu stepped up and unleashed a rocket of a shot from 40 metres out. The ball flew like a missile, beating keeper Sami Helal despite his desperate attempt to parry. It was a goal straight out of a dream — and surely a leading contender for Goal of the Year. 1-0, Espérance!
That moment of brilliance gave Espérance the confidence to assert themselves. From then on, the Blood and Gold managed the game with calm and control, creating more opportunities to extend their lead. In the 73rd minute, Derbali missed a great chance after a flowing move involving Belaïli and Sasse. Then in the 86th, Hamrouni’s strike — once again fed by Belaïli — was blocked at the last moment.
Stade Tunisien, rattled by the goal, struggled to regroup. Their play grew increasingly disjointed and lacked the sharpness to trouble a rock-solid Espérance backline.
As the final whistle blew, joy erupted in Radès. Espérance lifted their 16th Tunisian Cup, the most of any club in the country. By securing both the league and the cup titles, the club completed a historic sixth domestic double — a truly royal season for Tunisia’s most decorated team.
Beyond the statistics, it was the team spirit, tactical mastery, squad depth, and moments of sheer brilliance — like Ogbelu’s thunderbolt — that defined this successful campaign. A deserved triumph from start to finish.
Congratulations, Blood and Gold! The Espérantiste faithful can proudly celebrate a remarkable domestic double.
EST Line-up: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali, Ben Hamida(c), Jelassi, Tougaï, Guennichi (Derbali 62'), Ogbelu, Jebali (Meriah 90'+2), Sasse (Rodrigues 76'), Belaïli and Jabri (Hamrouni 76').
Booked: Jebali, Ben Hamida, Memmiche, Ogbelu.