Espérance de Tunis suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat this afternoon against Stade Malien de Bamako at the 26-March stadium, in Matchday 5 of the CAF Champions League group stage. A frustrating setback and the Blood and Gold’s first continental loss of the season, which postpones qualification until the final matchday.

From the opening minutes (5’), the game quickly settled into an intense rhythm, marked by numerous physical duels and strong commitment from both sides. Play was largely concentrated in midfield, with few clear-cut chances in the early stages (13’).

Espérance came close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute with a superb attacking move. Keita delivered an excellent cross towards Konaté, who was completely unmarked and in a perfect position to score. His glancing header, however, lacked accuracy and sailed just over the crossbar. A huge opportunity missed by the Blood and Gold.

Stade Malien responded mainly through set pieces. In the 26th minute, a corner led to a close-range header that forced Ben Saïd into a fine reflex save, before a follow-up effort flew over the bar. Four minutes later (30’), Mandjan tested the Espérance goalkeeper with a well-struck free kick, but Ben Saïd was well positioned and collected the ball comfortably.

The Malian side increased the pressure towards the end of the first half. In the 42nd minute, they found space too easily through the Espérance defense, but the powerful shot went over Ben Saïd’s goal. Stade Malien continued to press until the break (45’), yet the score remained goalless at halftime (0–0).

At the restart, Sasse and Diarra were introduced (46’) to inject fresh energy into the team. Espérance showed intent, but a promising free kick was wasted through excessive haste in the 49th minute.

The decisive moment came in the 54th minute. A defensive mistake proved costly as Meriah lost possession, allowing Stade Malien to launch a swift counterattack. A well-worked combination exposed the Blood and Gold defense: Ben Saïd saved the first attempt, but Traoré reacted quickest and Daouda Coulibaly finished to give the hosts the lead (1–0).

Espérance struggled to respond and found themselves under pressure as the match progressed. In the final quarter-hour (81’), Stade Malien clearly dominated. Danho tried to spark a reaction in the 83rd minute with an individual effort, but with no support, the move came to nothing. Five minutes from time (88’), Danho earned a well-placed free kick, yet Boualia’s powerful strike went over the bar.

With no significant reaction until the final whistle, Espérance left Bamako empty-handed. A disappointment, no doubt, but all is not lost. Stade Malien have now secured top spot in the group, while the Blood and Gold will play for qualification next Saturday in Radès against Petro Atlético, in a decisive match for the second qualifying place.

Courage to the Blood and Gold — the final chapter is still to be written.

EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Keita, Ben Hamida, Jelassi, Meriah(c) (Dräger 71'), Ogbelu (Tka 65'), Hadj-Ali, Konaté (Diarra 46'), Jebali (Sasse 46'), Boualia and Diakité (Danho 65').
Booking: Keita.

Groupe D Standings