This afternoon, at the Taïeb Mhiri Stadium, Espérance de Tunis snatched a crucial victory against CS Sfaxien (1-0), at the end of an intensely contested duel counting towards the 13th matchday of Ligue 1. The Blood and Gold, determined to collect the three points, managed to maintain their composure and find the breakthrough late in the game thanks to a goal from Konaté.

From the first minutes, Espérance showed their ambition with an initial attempt by Bouchniba in the 3rd minute, but without troubling the Sfaxien goalkeeper. Kouamé (10’) then Cristou (15’) tried their luck, but the Blood and Gold keeper, Memmiche, distinguished himself with reassuring and decisive interventions, notably on a powerful shot by Cristou.

The match then became more balanced, with physical combat taking over in midfield. Despite some good attacking play in the 35th minute and several opportunities, the final touch lacked precision. Just before the break, Ben Hamida attempted a powerful but off-target shot, sealing a goalless first half.

After the restart, both teams redoubled their efforts, but chances multiplied without a concrete result. Lazouni (52’) and Belaïli (58’) were at the origin of the most threatening actions for Espérance, but Dahmane, the Sfaxian goalkeeper, was equal to the task.

While the match seemed to be heading towards a goalless draw, the turning point came in the 86th minute. Maâcha, well-inspired, found Belaïli who elegantly beat a defender before playing the ball back to Konaté. The latter, with a precise side-footed finish, left the goalkeeper with no chance. A perfect team move to give the Blood and Gold a decisive lead.

This victory allows Espérance to climb to 4th place in the table, with 26 points, just three points behind the leader, US Monastir. This success, achieved in a tense context and on a difficult pitch, demonstrates the resilience and competitive spirit of Reghecampf's men.

The next match against Pyramids FC in Cairo in a week's time is crucial for qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. But for now, the Blood and Gold can savour these precious three points won in the stronghold of their Sfaxien rivals.

EST Lineup: Memmiche, Bouchniba (Ben Ali 84'), Ben Hamida(c), Tougaï, Jelassi, Aholou (Mokwana 46'), Ayeb (Azouni 46'), Tka, Sasse (Konaté 63'), Belaïli and Kada (Maâcha 71').
Booked: Kada, Belaïli, Maâcha.