Cleverly scheduled between two crucial CAF Champions League fixtures and coming after a relentless run of matches, Esperance Tunis’ clash with JS Kairouan had all the makings of a potential trap. Physical fatigue, mental wear and tear, and an opponent fighting for survival combined to make this far from a routine assignment. Yet, the Blood and Gold navigated the danger successfully, securing a valuable 1–0 victory at the Radès Stadium to collect three precious points.

Esperance started the game with clear intent. Aware of the importance of scoring early to settle matters, the players delivered a strong first-half performance, marked by discipline, territorial dominance and well-structured attacking play. Chances came in numbers, but frustrating misses and a lack of sharpness in front of goal prevented the hosts from taking a more comfortable lead.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 28th minute. Awarded a free-kick from around 25 meters out, Boualia stepped up and produced a moment of pure brilliance. His strike was powerful, precise and cleverly placed, leaving the JSK goalkeeper helpless. A true masterpiece from the Algerian forward, giving Esperance a deserved 1–0 advantage.

Despite their clear superiority, haste and poor decision-making in the final third meant the score remained unchanged at halftime — a slim lead that did not fully reflect the dominance shown by the home side.

The second half, however, saw a noticeable drop in intensity. Esperance often fell into the rhythm imposed by JS Kairouan, a slow and broken game that disrupted fluency and limited the tempo. As a result, the Blood and Gold were unable to fully express themselves after the break.

Still, opportunities to double the lead did arise. Jabri and Sasse both came close, with the latter seeing a legitimate goal ruled out for an offside decision that appeared highly questionable, if not entirely incorrect, in the 70th minute.

In the end, despite an uninspiring second-half display, Esperance showed maturity and resilience to protect their narrow advantage until the final whistle. It may not have been spectacular, but it was exactly the kind of victory needed to maintain momentum ahead of a crucial trip to Tanzania this Sunday, where Esperance will face Simba SC in the CAF Champions League.

Mission accomplished. Well done, Blood and Gold.

EST Lineup: Memmiche, Dräger (Bouzaïène 46'), Laifi, Koudhaï, Ben Hamida(c), Ogbelu, Tka (Rafia 69'), Jebali (Jabri 46'), Boualia (Diarra 80'), Konaté and Danho (Sasse 46').
Booking: Jabri.