Espérance de Tunis dropped two valuable points in the title race after a 2-2 draw against ES Zarzis on Thursday at the Stade de Radès, in a rescheduled Matchday 25 fixture of Ligue 1. It felt like a defeat for the Blood and Gold, who had controlled large stretches of the game but were punished by a clinical opponent.

From the outset, Patrice Beaumelle’s men set the tone with high pressing and attacking intent. Their early dominance paid off in the 7th minute: from a well-delivered free kick by Boualia, Florian Danho rose highest to power a header across goal, leaving goalkeeper Hamza Ghanmi with no chance (1-0).

Backed by a lively crowd, Esperance continued to push forward. Boualia came close again from a set piece (13’), while the team kept up the pressure in search of a second goal. In the 29th minute, Dräger delivered a cross for Danho, whose spectacular volley seemed destined for the goal of the season - only for Ghanmi to produce an outstanding save to keep his side in the game.

Espérance continued to dominate possession and create chances, with Tka narrowly missing the target after a fine team move (36’). But against the run of play, ES Zarzis were handed a lifeline: a handball by Dräger inside the box led to a penalty (39’). Khalil Kassab stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to equalize (1-1, 42’).

The Blood and Gold responded immediately. Ogbelu’s powerful low strike was denied by another sharp save from Ghanmi (44’). Just before halftime, Boualia delivered a teasing cross toward Jelassi; although he didn’t make contact, his movement deceived the goalkeeper, who failed to react in time as the ball found the net (2-1, 45’).

However, the lead was short-lived. Deep into stoppage time, a poorly cleared free kick allowed David Nyengue to pounce and fire home the equalizer (2-2, 45+5’). A cruel blow given Espérance’s clear superiority in the first half.

After the break, Espérance sought to regain control. Danho came close with a header (56’) before missing a golden opportunity from close range following a perfect Boualia cross (60’) - a pivotal moment in the match.

As the game progressed, ES Zarzis dropped deeper, closing spaces and making it increasingly difficult for Espérance to break through. Danho remained the most dangerous outlet but failed to convert further chances (66’, 70’), including an effort well saved by substitute goalkeeper Haykel Taleb. Dräger also tried his luck but sent his shot over (72’).

The tempo slowed, disrupted by repeated time-wasting from the visitors, and Espérance struggled to recreate the fluid attacking play of the first half. In the closing stages, the Blood and Gold pushed forward without success: Danho’s free kick hit the wall (87’), Hamidhi’s attempt was denied (89’), Diakité’s header was brilliantly saved by Taleb (90+4’), and Danho’s final effort was also kept out (90+6’).

At the final whistle, frustration dominated. Espérance had done much right-intensity, creativity, and control - but paid dearly for their lack of efficiency and defensive lapses.

There is no time to dwell. Recovery and focus are now essential, with a crucial trip to Bizerte this Sunday. A strong response is needed to keep the title hopes alive for the Blood and Gold.

EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Dräger (Bouzaïène 88'), Laifi, Jelassi, Ben Hamida(c), Ogbelu, Tka (Konaté 58'), Rafia (Hadj-Ali 77'), Boualia (Diakité 77'), Diarra (Hamidhi 58') and Danho.