Espérance de Tunis secured the essential points this afternoon at Radès stadium, winning by the narrowest of margins against EGS Gafsa (1-0) on Matchday 26 of Ligue 1. An important victory in the race for the top spots, hard-fought against a defensively well-organized opponent.

With no fewer than five notable absences from the starting lineup, the Blood and Gold team fielded a heavily changed eleven. This turnover visibly weighed on the start of the match for Rodrigo Rodrigues' teammates, who struggled to find their rhythm.

As early as the 8th minute, a first warning came from a corner: Khalil Guennichi's flick-on forced the Gafsa goalkeeper, Rami Jeridi, into a save on his line. A few minutes later, in the 15th minute, Jebali was unbalanced in the box, but neither the referee nor VAR signaled a foul. The play remained scrappy, EGSG closed down spaces, and Espérance struggled to establish their usual patterns of play. The lack of movement and slowness in passing made the Blood and Gold attacks particularly predictable.

It was ultimately a flash of collective intelligence that allowed Espérance to break the deadlock around the half-hour mark. A quickly taken corner between Jebali and Tka allowed Jebali to deliver a first-time cross. His ball, halfway between a shot and a cross, was slightly glanced by Rodrigues' head. Just enough to surprise Jeridi and open the score (1-0, 30').

The Blood and Gold maintained this lead until the break, after a generally dull but logically dominated first half.

Returning from the dressing rooms, Maher Kanzari's players showed better intentions. Tactical adjustments began to bear fruit, and Espérance increased their incursions into the opponent's half. In the 58th minute, Konaté, alone in front of goal, failed to deliver a decisive pass and hesitated instead of trying his luck. The move ultimately broke down, flagged for offside.

Chances followed: Guennichi (65'), Maâcha (67'), Ben Mohamed (70'), and Jabri (71') all tested Jeridi, without managing to double the lead. The best chance of this period was undoubtedly Maâcha's curling shot, magnificently pushed away by the Gafsa goalkeeper with a spectacular save.

Late in the game, Derbali (78') and Mouhli (81', 92') still had opportunities to kill the match, but a lack of composure and precision in the final action prevented Espérance from increasing their tally.

While the crowd would have liked to see more spectacle and attacking efficiency, the victory remains deserved given the Blood and Gold's dominance throughout the match. EGS Gafsa, well-grouped defensively, never really troubled the Espérance defence.

This success, albeit minimalistic, allows the Blood and Gold to stay on course with their league ambitions. The coaching staff can be satisfied with the result, while noting the adjustments needed for better efficiency in upcoming fixtures.

EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Bouchniba (Maâcha 46'), Ben Mohamed, Koudhaï, Ben Hamida(c), Guennichi, Tka, Konaté, Jebali (Mouhli 74'), Hamrouni (Derbali 59') and Rodrigues (Jabri 59').
Booked: Jebali.