Unable to Stop Thinking About the Upcoming Clash with Al Ahly, Patrice Beaumelle Opted to Manage His Squad
La Presse – Without a preliminary observation round, the “Blood and Gold” jumped straight into the action, showing far more initiative. The first chance of the match came barely six minutes in: penetrating the midfield, Hadj Ali tried a right‑wing cross to the far line, but the Marsois defence cleared the danger.
Just two minutes later, Boualia was brought down in the box by Marsois defender Sofiane Mestari and earned a penalty. After a VAR review, the referee upheld the decision. Hamza Jelassi converted the spot‑kick (10’).
Following this early opening, the Esperantists (ASM) looked to consolidate their lead. In the 12th minute, after a corner taken by Boualia, Tougaï recovered the ball first, then Danho attempted a shot, only for the Marsois defence to completely clear the danger. Four minutes later, another Esperantist attempt: Jebali’s left‑wing cross found Boualia, whose shot brushed the left post of the Marsois net (16’).
On their side, the “Banlieusards” (EST) endured twenty minutes of the host’s tempo before finally emerging from their reserve and trying to get back into the game, notably through the very active left‑flank player Firas Aifia. However, his drives were repeatedly stopped by Ben Ali.
The first Marsois chance arrived in the 31st minute when Youssouf Daho unleashed a powerful, on‑target strike, only for Ben Saïd to intercept the ball.
At the end of the first half, after a nice attacking move, Marsois midfielder Ojonugwa Adejoh saw his goal disallowed for off‑side (44’). The VAR confirmed the decision.
A Minimal Damage Report…
At halftime, Marsois coach Ameur Derbal made three substitutions, bringing on, among others, centre‑forward Godwin Kalu. The newly‑entered Nigerian striker immediately tried his luck with a long‑range shot, which Ben Saïd saved (48’).
The Banlieusards could not progress further, relying on a low‑block defensive shape and quick counters.
In the Esperantist camp, Patrice Beaumelle also made changes, aiming to rest certain players while giving minutes to those who needed them. This squad management did not prevent Kouceila Boualia from requesting to be substituted after feeling pain.
In the end, the “Blood and Gold,” who were hunting a win while conserving energy ahead of the Champions League quarter‑final first leg, secured the three points. The Marsois, meanwhile, continued to collect setbacks in this second‑leg phase.
Line‑ups
EST (Espérance de Tunis):
Ben Saïd, Ben Ali, Ben Hmida, Tougaï (Guennichi 46’), Jelassi, Ogbelu, Tka, Hadj Ali (Keita 66’), Jebali (Rafia 77’), Boualia (Hmidhi 86’) and Danho (Diakité 46’).
ASM (Association Sportive de Médenine):
Abessi, Chaouach (Naji 78’), El Arfaoui, Salem, Mestari (Kalu 46’), Gneba, Khaloui, A. Traidi (Hichri 46’, then Tbarki 78’), Adejoh, Aifia (Hammami 46’) and Dao.
