Espérance Sportive de Tunis suffered a disappointing 2–1 defeat this afternoon against US Monastir at the Mustapha Ben Jannet Stadium, in a match counting for the 17th round of the Ligue 1 championship. A result that leaves a bitter taste, especially given the promising start made by the Blood and Gold.
Rested for this encounter, Youssef Msakni was absent, while Tka missed out through suspension. One positive note, however, was the presence of Hamza Rafia on the bench, as the midfielder made his first appearance with Espérance late in the game.
The visitors made an encouraging start and threatened as early as the 1st minute, when Diarra tried his luck with a curling effort, forcing US Monastir goalkeeper Abdessalam Hlaoui into a fine save. Espérance’s early dominance was rewarded shortly after. In the 10th minute, Ben Hamida delivered a well-taken free kick, Jelassi headed the ball back across goal, and Diarra finished clinically from close range to give Espérance the lead (0–1).
After conceding, US Monastir gradually grew into the game and began to apply sustained pressure on the Espérance defense. Their efforts paid off in the 29th minute, when a cross found Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, whose powerful header left Ben Saïd with no chance, restoring parity (1–1).
Espérance attempted to regain control towards the end of the first half and showed a reaction from the 38th minute onwards, but without finding the breakthrough. The teams went into the break level, a fair reflection of a balanced first half.
The second half began in the worst possible way for the Blood and Gold. Just two minutes after the restart, Youssef Abdelli broke through between two defenders and calmly beat Ben Saïd to give US Monastir the lead (2–1).
Forced to chase the game, Espérance pushed forward but lacked composure in the final third. A turning point came in the 67th minute when US Monastir were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Youssef Abdelli for an elbow on Jelassi. Despite the numerical advantage, Espérance were unable to capitalize.
Chances did come, but efficiency was missing. Diarra squandered a clear opportunity in the 74th minute, while Monastir defended resolutely and managed the game intelligently despite being a man down. In the closing minutes, Espérance threw everything forward. Hlaoui denied Boualia in a one-on-one situation (90’), before the same player saw his free kick narrowly miss the target in stoppage time (90’+2). Deep into added time (90’+9), Hamza Rafia came agonizingly close to equalizing, his shot crashing against the crossbar.
The final whistle confirmed a frustrating defeat for Espérance, who appeared unrecognizable at times. Having taken the lead early and faced an opponent reduced to ten men, the Blood and Gold failed to make their superiority count and paid the price. A setback that calls for a swift reaction ahead of the upcoming challenges.
EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Keita (Bouzaïène 65'), Ben Hamida(c), Jelassi, Guenichi (Rafia 60'), Ogbelu, Ouahabi, Jebali (Dhaou 78'), Sasse (Boualia 60'), Diarra and Jabri (Danho 65').
Booking: Jelassi, Guenichi, Diarra, Jebali.