Espérance and Etoile du Sahel Engage in Intense Derby Match
The highly anticipated derby match between Espérance and Etoile du Sahel lived up to its promise, with the "Sang et Or" (Blood and Gold) preserving their unbeaten streak against a determined Etoile du Sahel side.
An Intense and Disputed Match from Start to Finish
The match, played at the Radès stadium, was intense and closely contested from the outset. The first notable opportunity arose in the 12th minute when Etoile du Sahel's goalkeeper, Sabri Ben Hassen, made a remarkable save to deflect Chiheb Jebali's powerful shot, which was then followed by Houssem Tka's attempt that hit the crossbar.
Tactical Approaches
While Espérance adopted an offensive-minded approach, Etoile du Sahel opted for a more cautious strategy, employing a low-block defense and relying on quick counter-attacks when possible. Mohamed Ali Nafkha's team also applied pressure on the ball carrier, making it challenging for Espérance's attackers to create scoring opportunities.
Espérance Finds the Breakthrough
As the match progressed, Espérance's relentless pressure eventually paid off. Following a corner kick taken by Belaili, Jebali attempted to clear the ball, but Guenichi gained possession and delivered a pass to Sasse, who headed the ball into the net (27th minute).
Etoile du Sahel's Attempt to Equalize
Before the halftime break, Etoile du Sahel tried to level the score. In the 43rd minute, Dhaoui's shot was blocked by Espérance's defensive wall. In the additional time of the first half, Ben Choug missed a significant chance to score when his header, following a free kick, narrowly missed the right post of Ben Saïd's goal (45'+2).
A Half of Missed Opportunities
The second half saw an increase in the pace of the game. Espérance was determined to double their lead and kill the match, while Etoile du Sahel refused to give up in their pursuit of an equalizer. However, this half was marked by missed opportunities on both sides. For Espérance, Tka's well-executed move led to Belaili's cross, which Jebali headed just wide (54th minute). Later, Belaili delivered another pass to Boualia, whose shot hit the crossbar (62nd minute).
Etoile du Sahel's Chances
On the other side, Etoile du Sahel's striker Yassine Chaabani, who was introduced at halftime, created a significant opportunity when his powerful shot, following Ferjani's cross, was saved by Ben Saïd's left hand, and Guenichi cleared the danger (69th minute). Ben Saïd's remarkable save prevented a certain goal and kept his team ahead.
Conclusion
In the end, both teams delivered a thrilling derby match, living up to their reputations. The "Sang et Or" and Etoile du Sahel provided an entertaining game, with neither side backing down until the final whistle.
Lineups:
- Espérance: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali (Bouchniba 38'), Laifi, Tougaï (Ogbelu 45'), Meriah, Guenichi, Tka, Jebali (Jelassi 78'), Sasse (Boualia 46'), Danho (Jabri 78'), and Belaili.
- Etoile du Sahel: Ben Hassen, Ghedamsi, Hnid, Alphonce, Ferjani, Ouerteni, Bouslama (Ben Amor 86'), Ben Choug (El Glaieb 86'), Maazouz (Chaabani 66'), Senghor, and Dhaoui (Horchani 90'+2).
