A Setback That Comes at an Inopportune Moment for a Well‑Off‑to‑a‑Good‑Start ESZ
The club remains respectable after four matchdays, but the timing of the draw could jeopardise its podium ambitions.
La Presse – Coach Anis Boujelbène was right to warn the “Sang et Or” fans of Zarzis before the derby against USBG: don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched, and don’t celebrate victory before the final whistle. The stalemate that settled the encounter between the two neighbouring sides proved his point.
ESZ even came close to being out‑classed in the second half by the men of Nidhal Khiari.
In reality, Boujelbène did not gamble on an all‑out attack from the kickoff to seize the three points. He chose a cautious approach, avoiding unnecessary risks. Yet he possesses a potent attacking trio capable of breaking down the most disciplined defences: Noemen Rahmani, Innocent Nshuti and Stanley Ogoh—a line‑up many clubs that champion offensive football would love to have.
By leaving Rahmani on the bench and starting with Ogoh and Nshuti—the two forwards who had turned the tide in ESZ’s previous win over CA—Boujelbène made a questionable tactical decision. Although Stanley Ogoh opened the scoring in the 11th minute and nearly doubled the lead at the 17th, USBG responded swiftly, with Hadj Khlifa equalising and changing the match’s momentum.
Without a miraculous save from Seïfedfine Charfi, the “Jaune et Noir” of Ben Guerdane could have taken the lead six minutes after the break. Boujelbène tried to rectify the situation in the second half by introducing Khalil Kassab, Amir Tajouri and Noemen Rahmani, but he could not regain control of the game or dominate the “truth‑zone” of an USBG side that had settled back into a solid, well‑organised shape.
What the Draw Reveals
- The 3‑5‑2 defensive system, built on quick counters and rapid transitions, is not always effective against teams that sit deep and stay compact.
- The two points dropped by Boujelbène and his squad prevented ESZ from climbing to the top of the table with four wins in four matches—a perfect start that now remains out of reach.
- Relying on a single tactical setup is insufficient for consistent success; a coach must possess a variety of game plans and more than one “string to his bow” to out‑maneuver both heavyweight and modest opponents.
Season Outlook
ESZ has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, amassing 10 points from 4 matches. However, the recent stalemate shows that the “full‑on‑victories” script still needs to be written. Diversifying tactics and making the most of the attacking trio will be crucial if the club aims to cement its place among the season’s podium contenders.
