The Taïeb Mhiri Stadium in Sfax was the scene today for the final act of the season for Espérance de Tunis, who faced CS Sfaxien on the 10th and final day of the Ligue 1 playoffs. A match without any real stakes for the Blood and Gold, already assured of their place, but crucial for CSS, who had to avoid defeat at all costs to ensure their participation in the CAF Cup.

From the kick-off, it was clear that this match was not going to go down in the annals of Tunisian football. With several of its key players already on vacation, Espérance approached the match with a palpable serenity, contenting itself with the bare minimum on the pitch. For their part, the Black and Whites of CS Sfaxien, aware of the importance of this match for their continental future, opted for a cautious approach, mainly aiming to secure the draw needed.

The pace of the match was generally slow, marked by Espérance de Tunis' domination in midfield. However, this possession rarely led to clear-cut chances. The best opportunity of the match came in the 68th minute when Sowe and Kada combined well to set up the latter for a shot at goal. Unfortunately for the Espérantist fans, Kada's shot went just wide of the target, but failed to beat the vigilance of the opposing goalkeeper, Sabri Ben Hassen.

At the end of the 90 minutes, the score remained 0-0. A result that well reflects the lack of stakes for Espérance in this match and the caution of CSS, who ultimately got the crucial point that guaranteed them third place in the championship and a participation in the CAF Cup.

Despite the lack of spectacle, it should be noted that Espérance de Tunis respected sporting ethics by playing the match seriously, without giving in to the temptation to take it easy despite the lack of pressure. An attitude that honors the club and shows its respect for the championship and its opponents.

This is how Espérance de Tunis ends its 2023-2024 season. A season marked by a new Tunisian championship title, the 33rd in the club's history. The Blood and Gold also had a fine run in the CAF Champions League, reaching the final and qualifying for the 2025 Club World Cup.

EST line-up: Memmiche, Ben Ali (Smiri 90'+5), Bouchniba, Meriah, Ben Hamida(c), Aholou, Tka, Ogbelu (Ayeb 63'), Bukia (Kada 63'), Bouguerra and Ben Hammouda (Sowe 63').