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Re : CA vs EST: (1 - 3) A clean and deserved victory

CA vs EST: (1 - 3) A clean and deserved victory

Defender Hamza Jelassi scored in the derby against Club Africain on April 20, 2025, at the Radès stadium. (Photo est.org.tn)
 
This afternoon at the Radès stadium, Espérance de Tunis once again demonstrated their supremacy in the capital derby, prevailing over Club Africain with a resounding 3-1 victory on matchday 27 of Ligue 1. A clash rich in intensity and twists, ultimately resulting in a thoroughly deserved success for the "Blood and Gold".

From the opening minutes, the intensity was palpable. The robust midfield battles set the tone: this derby was going to be contested until the very end. In the 8th minute, Sasse attempted to sound the charge with a long-range shot that posed no real threat to the opposing goalkeeper, Ghaïth Yafrni.

But in the 12th minute, the deadlock was broken. From an angled free-kick delivered with the precise left foot of Chiheb Jebali, Hamza Jelassi rose at the far post to head the ball into the top corner. A perfect execution that left the keeper with no chance. Espérance logically opened the scoring (0-1).

Maher Kanzari's players, well-organized defensively, contained the attacking ambitions of a CA side spurred on by their supporters but lacking sharpness. Better still, Espérance intelligently exploited the spaces left on the counter-attack, although they failed to increase their lead despite several favorable situations.

A first setback disrupted Espérance's momentum with the premature exit of Abdramane Konaté, who suffered a thigh injury in the 40th minute. His replacement, Elias Mokwana, would nevertheless rise to the occasion.

CA thought they had pulled one back in the 42nd minute, but the goal was rightly disallowed for a handball by Aït Malek. In the aftermath, a light challenge by Tougaï on Khadhraoui offered a generously awarded penalty by the referee. Hamdi Laâbidi remained composed and leveled the score just before the break (1-1).

The second half resumed with the same intensity. Despite a scare for Jelassi with an elbow – which proved not to be serious – Espérance created a monumental double chance in the 52nd minute: Mokwana laid on a golden opportunity for Sasse, who missed his one-on-one, followed by Jabri whose shot was saved by Yafrni.

But the turning point of the match came in the 58th minute: played through on goal, Yan Sasse was racing clear when Yafrni, coming out of his box, handled the ball. An immediate red card was shown. CA found themselves down to ten men and had to introduce a new goalkeeper, Wassim Maghzaoui.

Espérance increased their dominance without rushing. Rodrigues, very active in the attacking third, won a clear penalty in the 80th minute. He converted it himself four minutes later, restoring his team's lead (1-2).

The score could have become heavier earlier, but Rodrigues missed a chance to seal the game in the 87th minute. It was only a matter of time: in added time, Jabri, breaking on the counter, beat Maghzaoui with a powerful shot from the edge of the box (1-3). The killer blow.

The derby is a matter of honor, and Espérance once again approached it with the determination and efficiency of great teams. Despite the injuries and the opposition's equalizer, the "Blood and Gold" remained calm, managed the difficult periods, and struck at the right moments.

With this victory, Espérance de Tunis extends their unbeaten run in the derbies and strengthens their position in the league standings. But beyond the result, it is the spirit displayed by the players that is reassuring as they approach the final stretch of the season.

Well done to the entire team for this accomplished performance and this fine lesson in football given to their eternal rivals. The "Blood and Gold" faithful can savor this victory.

EST Line-up: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali (Bouchniba 76'), Ben Hamida(c), Tougaï, Jelassi, Ogbelu (Derbali 72'), Guennichi, Konaté (Mokwana 42'), Jebali, Sasse (Rodrigues 72') and Jabri.

Booked: Ogbelu, Jelassi, Sasse, Ben Ali, Ben Hamida.

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