Espérance Sportive de Tunis began their CAF Champions League campaign with a disappointing 0–0 draw tonight at the Radès Stadium against Stade Malien de Bamako. Despite dominating from start to finish and creating a large number of clear opportunities, the Blood and Gold were unable to break down a Malian side that defended deep, compact, and with remarkable discipline. A frustrating outcome considering the volume of chances wasted by Maher Kanzari’s men.
EST started the match with strong intent. After only two minutes, Tka had the first real opportunity of the game with a header that went over the bar. Three minutes later, Jebali curled a dangerous effort that drifted wide.
Espérance kept pushing, multiplying their attacking waves. In the 19th minute, Hamza Jelassi tried his luck with another header, again off target. Despite this early pressure, Stade Malien regrouped quickly, closing every gap and forcing the Tunisians to circulate the ball without finding a breakthrough.
At the 38th minute mark, Tka had a golden chance but hesitated in front of goal and failed to get his shot away in time. Only moments later, in the 41st minute, Danho squandered an unbelievable opportunity, firing over an empty net after a perfect assist from Jebali. Two missed chances that encapsulated Espérance’s lack of composure in the final third.
The first half ended 0–0, a scoreline that reflected both the dominance of EST and their inability to convert clear chances, combined with the solidity of the Malian defence and their fast counterattacks.
Espérance returned from the break with even greater urgency. Ben Ali tried an early strike in the 47th minute, but it went well off target. Then came one of the biggest chances of the night: in the 49th minute, Boualia whipped in a superb cross and Tka’s powerful header was brilliantly stopped by the Malian goalkeeper.
Boualia attempted a long-range effort moments later (50’), followed at the hour mark by another clear opportunity for Tka, who blasted the ball over the bar from the penalty spot after a fine team action.
Jabri also missed the target in the 68th minute. Then came the turning point of the second half: the double chance at the 70th minute. Danho’s initial shot was saved, and the rebound fell perfectly to Konaté in front of an empty goal. Somehow, his follow-up went wide… a moment that perfectly summed up Espérance’s misfortune and lack of sharpness.
With all eleven Malian players defending deep (77’), EST were forced into long-distance attempts from Danho and Konaté, without success. As the minutes ticked away, the Blood and Gold rushed their plays, losing precision in the final actions (84’).
The final whistle confirmed a disappointing draw for Espérance, who had done everything but score. A mixture of poor finishing, bad luck in crucial moments, and the exceptional defensive discipline of the visitors prevented the Tunisian side from securing the win.
This result now puts pressure on EST to recover points away from home. Next week’s trip to Angola to face Petro Atlético already looks decisive for the rest of the group stage. To bounce back quickly, Espérance must sharpen their finishing, regain composure in the final third, and turn domination into goals — a must for achieving their ambitions in the competition.
EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali (Bouzaïène 80'), Ben Hamida, Jelassi, Meriah, Tka, Ogbelu, Jebali, Boualia (Jabri 64'), Konaté (Maâcha 88') and Danho (Diakité 80').
Booking: Jelassi.