A Stoppage That Comes at an Inopportune Moment for a Well‑Off‑to‑a‑Good‑Start ESZ
The pause does not come at the right time for an ESZ that has launched itself into a season where it has the means to position itself as a serious podium contender. The record remains respectable after four matchdays.
La Presse — Coach Anis Boujelbène was right before the derby against USBG when he urged the fans of the “Sang et Or” of Zarzis not to “sell the bear’s skin before killing it” and not to “cry victory before the final whistle.” The draw that settled the contest between the two neighbouring teams proved him correct.
ESZ even came close to being outclassed in the second half by the men of Nidhal Khiari.
In reality, Anis Boujelbène did not dare to launch an immediate attack from the kickoff to seize the initiative and chase the three points. He chose to be cautious and avoid taking too many risks. Yet he possesses a potent attacking formula capable of breaking down even the most solid defensive locks: Noemen Rahmani, Innocent Nshuti and Stanley Ogoh – a trio dreamed of by many clubs that champion offensive football.
By leaving Noemen Rahmani on the bench and opting to start with Stanley Ogoh and Innocent Nshuti – the two forwards who had turned the match in ESZ’s favour against CA – Boujelbène played a very poor card. Sure, Stanley Ogoh opened the scoring in the 11th minute and almost doubled the lead at the 17th, but the swift response from USBG, with an equaliser from Hadj Khlifa, gave the game a completely different turn.
Without a miraculous save from Seïfedfine Charfi, the “Jaune et Noir” of Ben Guerdane could have taken the lead six minutes after the break. Anis Boujelbène tried to rectify the situation in the second half by bringing on Khalil Kassab, Amir Tajouri and Noemen Rahmani, but he could not regain control of the proceedings nor dominate the “truth perimeter” of USBG, which had settled back on its feet and was now well‑organised across the pitch.
This home draw against a well‑structured opponent showed that the defensive‑oriented 3‑5‑2 system, based on quick counters and rapid transitions, is not always effective against teams that sit deep and compact.
The two points dropped by Anis Boujelbène and his charges, which denied them the chance to pull ahead at the top of the table with four wins in as many games (the perfect feat), clearly demonstrate that relying on a single tactical setup cannot guarantee victory every time.
A coach must have a variety of game plans and more than one string to his bow in order to prevail against opponents, whether they are heavyweight clubs or modest outfits. ESZ has enjoyed a strong start to the season, amassing 10 points from 4 matches, even if the string of victories is still to come.
