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Mission accomplished for Espérance de Tunis. With a strong and controlled second-half performance, the Blood and Gold defeated Petro de Luanda 2–0 this evening at the Rades stadium, on matchday six of the CAF Champions League group stage. A victory that sends Espérance deservedly through to the quarter-finals.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Blood and Gold made a flying start. Inside the opening minute, Dräger’s shot was deflected for a corner by the arm of a defender, but the referee waved away strong penalty appeals. Espérance showed intent and commitment, yet much of the play remained concentrated in midfield.
Petro de Luanda were far from passive and proved dangerous on the counter (13’). Espérance created chances of their own, notably through Hadj-Ali’s effort (14’) and a major opportunity on 20 minutes, when Sasse played Diakité through on goal. Hesitation at the crucial moment, however, allowed the chance to slip away.
The Angolan side then came close to scoring at the other end, as the crossbar rescued Espérance in the 26th minute on the most dangerous action of the half. Despite further attempts by Diakité (33’, 36’), the score remained goalless at the break, setting the stage for a decisive second half.
Espérance wasted no time after the restart. Just seconds into the second half, substitute Jebali delivered a perfect cross for Diakité, who powered home a well-placed header to give the Blood and Gold the lead (46’, 1–0). Rades erupted.
The hosts had chances to double their advantage soon after, but Sasse hesitated once again when well positioned (52’). Petro responded by pressing higher up the pitch (56’), yet Espérance remained compact at the back and looked to strike quickly on the break.
A second goal seemed imminent when Sasse found the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside (60’). Diakité then fired off target (62’), before the decisive blow finally arrived. In the 81st minute, Hadj-Ali released Diarra down the left flank. Showing pace and composure, the forward beat the defence and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
Late on, Tka nearly added a third with a powerful effort that was pushed away (88’), but the scoreline remained unchanged.
The final whistle confirmed a well-earned 2–0 victory, built on discipline, efficiency and a strong collective response, particularly after the break. Under pressure and in a decisive fixture, Espérance de Tunis rose to the occasion and booked their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
Congratulations to the brave Blood and Gold on a true champions’ performance.
EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Dräger, Ben Hamida(c), Jelassi, Tougaï, Tka, Hadj-Ali (Guenichi 86'), Sasse (Diarra 72'), Boualia (Jebali 46'), Konaté (Bouzaïène 86') and Diakité (Danho 64').
Booking: Tka, Boualia, Jebali, Jelassi.
Groupe D Standings
