Esperance de Tunis delivered a convincing performance this afternoon, securing a 2-0 win against US Tataouine at the Najib Khattab Stadium in Tataouine. This Ligue 1 clash was part of the 16th round, and the victory was well-deserved as the Blood and Gold dominated the game.

An early setback with injuries

The match took an unfortunate turn in the 18th minute when Esperance goalkeeper Sedki Debchi and his teammate Elias Bouzaïène collided violently. Both players were injured and had to leave the pitch, with Mokhtar Iffaoui and Raed Bouchniba replacing them respectively.

Despite this setback, Esperance quickly took control of the game, increasing pressure on the Tataouine defense. The first real chance came in the 24th minute from a corner, where a Tataouine defender almost scored an own goal.

Two first-half goals seal the win

The dominant Blood and Gold launched numerous attacks but struggled with some technical inaccuracy. However, the deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute. From a well-taken corner by Bouchniba, Mohamed-Amine Ben Hamida rose at the far post to score a superb diving header, making it 1-0.

Just before halftime, Regecampf's men extended their lead. After a powerful shot from Maâcha hit the post, Achref Jabri picked up the rebound, dribbled past a defender, and calmly finished into the empty net for 2-0 (45'+2). The first half was completely controlled by the Blood and Gold.

Second half domination without further goals

Esperance continued their momentum in the second half, creating several clear-cut chances. New signing Mouhamed Mouhli came close to adding to the scoreline twice. In the 66th minute, his header hit the post, and in the 73rd minute, his perfectly executed free-kick also struck the woodwork.

Esperance could have had a penalty in the 77th minute when Jabri's powerful shot was deflected by the hand of a Tataouine defender, but the referee only awarded a corner.

Despite their clear dominance and numerous opportunities, luck wasn't on the side of the Blood and Gold in the second half. No further goals were scored, but the overall performance remained highly accomplished.

A victory that propels Esperance up the table

With this convincing win, Esperance de Tunis climbs to second place in the standings with 33 points, just one point behind the leader, Stade Tunisien.

This success, achieved with control and composure, confirms the rise of the Blood and Gold, who continue their march forward with ambition. Well done to the players and staff for this excellent performance!

EST Lineup: Debchi (Ifaoui 18'), Bouzaïène (Bouchniba 18'), Ben Hamida(c), Jelassi, Tougaï, Aholou (Ogbelu 80'), Tka, Konaté, Maâcha (Mouhli 58'), Mokwana and Jabri (Smiri 80').
Booked: Aholou.