Having secured a commanding 4-1 lead in the first leg, Esperance de Tunis reaffirmed their dominance over Dekedaha SC with an emphatic 8-0 victory in the return leg at Rades. In a one-sided affair, the Blood and Gold showcased their technical prowess and clinical finishing, sealing their qualification for the group stage of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.

From the outset, Miguel Cardoso's side, buoyed by their first-leg advantage, approached the match with confidence. The coach made five changes to his starting lineup but maintained a clear objective: to continue dominating and secure qualification.

Esperance's dominance was quickly reflected on the scoreboard. By the 5th minute, it was clear that the opening goal was merely a matter of time. The intense pressing and unwavering confidence of the Blood and Gold left Dekedaha, forced to defend deep, with little respite. It took just two more minutes for the deadlock to be broken.

In the 7th minute, a slick combination involving Azouni and Belaïli set Yan Sasse free on goal. His precise finish opened the scoring, putting Esperance 1-0 up.

Five minutes later, Sowe doubled the lead (12') after a high press forced a Somalian defender into an error. Without hesitation, he intercepted, dribbled, and unleashed an unstoppable shot to make it 2-0. Esperance were now brimming with confidence. In the 18th minute, Belaïli, who was in inspired form, scored the third goal after a clever pass from Sowe, confirming the Blood and Gold's complete control of the match. His powerful strike gave the opposing goalkeeper no chance.

After this blistering start, Esperance became somewhat complacent, squandering several chances in front of goal. However, their technical and tactical superiority remained evident. Just before the break, in the 45th minute, Belaïli grabbed his second of the night, finishing off a beautifully worked team move. After exchanging passes with Sasse and Sowe, Belaïli found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, calmly dribbling around him before slotting the ball home. At halftime, the Blood and Gold enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 lead.

The second half began in similar fashion. Belaïli, the star of the show, completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute thanks to a clever interception from Konaté, who provided a delightful assist for a delicate chip over the goalkeeper (5-0).

The goal glut continued with a penalty awarded to the young Zinedine Kada in the 70th minute after a foul by the Somalian goalkeeper. Defender Tougaï converted confidently to make it 6-0. Four minutes later, Derbali added a seventh goal after a fine combination with Ben Hamida and Belaïli, who provided a perfect back pass for him to finish.

Finally, in the 78th minute, Jelassi, making his debut, scored his first goal for the Blood and Gold after a Ben Ali shot was parried by the goalkeeper. A perfect end to a dominant performance (8-0).

This 8-0 victory seals Esperance de Tunis' qualification for the group stage of the CAF Champions League. A controlled performance from start to finish, which bodes well for the rest of the competition. The Blood and Gold, with their attacking style and deep squad, have confirmed their status as a team to watch this season.

EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali, Ben Hamida, Meriah(c) (Jelassi 46'), Tougaï, Azouni, Konaté (Ayeb 64'), Tka (Derbali 46'), Sasse (Kada 59'), Belaïli and Sowe (Ogbelu 75').