Espérance de Tunis left Bizerte with a bitter sense of déjà vu, held to a 1-1 draw by CA Bizertin at the 15 Octobre Stadium on Matchday 26 of Ligue 1. Following the recent stalemate against ES Zarzis, the Blood and Gold once again dropped valuable points in a scenario that is becoming all too familiar - and increasingly costly in the title race.
From the opening minutes, Patrice Beaumelle’s men imposed a high press and controlled possession, but their dominance proved largely ineffective. Despite winning several corners early on, clear-cut chances were scarce. The first real attempt came in the 6th minute when Boualia fired just wide. Up against a compact and disciplined Bizertin defense, Espérance struggled to break through in the final third.
The pattern persisted throughout the first half. Espérance controlled the tempo but lacked sharpness, while the hosts stayed organized and patient. The closest CA Bizertin came was in the 37th minute through Ayinde on a quick counterattack, but his effort missed the target. Moments later, Danho tested goalkeeper Maktouf, who pushed his shot away for a corner. At halftime, the deadlock remained.
The second half resumed in similar fashion until the long-awaited breakthrough arrived. In the 51st minute, Mohamed-Amine Ben Hamida delivered a precise cross, Chiheb Jebali controlled and set up Kouceila Boualia, who calmly finished to give Espérance the lead (0-1). A deserved reward for their sustained pressure.
However, the advantage lasted only four minutes. A defensive lapse gifted the ball to Wassim Chihi, who made no mistake in beating Ben Saïd to equalize (1-1). Another costly error, another setback.
From then on, Espérance pushed forward but remained predictable and lacked creativity. Despite several substitutions, there was no real improvement in attacking efficiency. Attempts, such as Hamdhi’s header in the 61st minute, failed to trouble the opposition. Meanwhile, CA Bizertin stayed dangerous on the counter and nearly snatched victory in stoppage time when Midani’s header struck the post (90’+2), with Ben Saïd beaten.
The drama continued moments later. In the 90’+4 minute, Haythem Dhaou’s cross found Achref Jabri, who scored what appeared to be the winning goal (1-2). But celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for a controversial offside, leaving Espérance players and staff in disbelief.
At the final whistle, frustration dominated. Once again, after doing the hard part by taking the lead, Espérance allowed their opponents back into the game through avoidable mistakes. Rushed decisions, lack of composure, and inefficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
Two crucial points slip away, costing the Blood and Gold the top spot in the standings and tightening the margin for error. While their destiny remains in their own hands, the room for maneuver is shrinking fast. A strong response is now essential to keep their title ambitions alive.
EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Dräger (Keita 85'), Ben Hamida(c), Jelassi, Tougaï, Ogbelu, Tka (Hadj-Ali 75'), Jebali, Boualia (Dhaou 85'), Hamidhi (Jabri 75') and Danho (Diakité 62').
Booking: Jelassi, Jebali, Ben Hamida.