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Espérance Sportive de Tunis comfortably secured their place in the Tunisian Cup semi-finals this afternoon after a convincing 3-0 victory away to Baath Sportif de Bouhajla at the Municipal Stadium of Bouhajla. Despite fielding a heavily reshuffled side, the Blood and Gold delivered a serious and professional performance from start to finish.
Without their foreign players and internationals, Christian Bracconi’s men approached this quarter-final with a reduced squad. However, the absences were barely noticeable as the Sang et Or quickly took control of the match through solid possession, aggressive pressing and clear technical superiority over a courageous but limited Bouhajla side.
The pressure kept increasing as the visitors pushed forward with confidence, and the opening goal felt inevitable. After several dangerous situations, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute. Nidhal Laïfi delivered a floated cross from the left side toward Mohamed Ben Ali, who rose brilliantly to beat the goalkeeper with a precise header and give Espérance a deserved lead.
After the break, the Blood and Gold continued to dominate proceedings without ever looking troubled defensively. Looking to add fresh legs and more attacking pace, coach Christian Bracconi introduced youngsters Amen Allah Touati, Arkam Taboubi and Haythem Dhaou midway through the second half. The substitutions immediately brought extra energy and sharpness to the team’s attacking play.
The home side’s task became even more difficult in the 68th minute when Hazem Midani was sent off following a VAR review for a violent challenge, leaving BS Bouhajla down to ten men while already trailing on the scoreboard.
As the match entered its final minutes, Espérance finally put the game beyond doubt in spectacular fashion. In the 85th minute, Arkam Taboubi released Mohamed Ben Ali down the right flank before the latter delivered a perfect cross into the box. Haythem Dhaou then produced an extraordinary acrobatic bicycle kick that left the goalkeeper completely frozen. A stunning goal rarely seen on Tunisian pitches and undoubtedly one of the highlights of the competition so far.
The young Blood and Gold talents were not done yet. Deep into stoppage time, a quick combination between Dhaou and Taboubi allowed the latter to set up Amen Allah Touati, who burst forward at full speed before calmly finishing into the back of the net. A dream first appearance crowned by a first senior goal for the talented youngster.
At the final whistle, Espérance’s qualification was fully deserved after a dominant display throughout the ninety minutes. Serious, disciplined and efficient, the Blood and Gold completed their mission in style and now move one step closer to lifting the Tunisian Cup.
Next up for Espérance is another important clash next Sunday afternoon at Chedly Zouiten Stadium against JS Omrane, who qualified after defeating PS Sakiet Eddaier 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Congratulations to the Blood and Gold!
EST Line-up: Memmiche, Ben Ali, Laïfi, Jelassi, Meriah(c), Hadj-Ali (Taboubi 68'), Rafia (Guenichi 86'), Tka, Jebali, Hamidhi (Dhaou 68') and Jabri (Touati 58').
Booking: Meriah, Rafia.