Stunning Upset by ASG against ESZ, Precious Win for JSK in La Marsa, and OB Stays Alive
Four matches of the 20th round of L1 took place yesterday, with more updates to come this afternoon. One of the highlights of the weekend was the thrilling derby between ESS and USM at the Olimpico de Sousse. The Etoilés opened the scoring early on with a precise shot by Rayan Anane at the 18th minute, following a brilliant service by Dhaoui. Without any observation period, the 22 players dove headfirst into the battle, with measured caution and rapid offensive projections from both sides. The Sahel derby started at a frantic pace, with Etoile being the first to score. However, USM later gained momentum, pushing and pressing without managing to penetrate ESS's defense. Around the 30th minute, Ben Youssef made several attempts with his crossed runs, trying to serve the ball deep or in retreat, but ESS's defense was vigilant. Meanwhile, Etoile not only defended but also attempted quick counter-attacks, where Dhaoui and Senghor were thwarted by a highly alert Rayan Azzouz. Five minutes before halftime, USM dominated possession, but ESS took advantage of USM's defensive largesse during the counter-attacks. The match was intense, with everything possible, but referee Aymen Nasri blew the whistle for halftime. After the break, USM returned with obvious offensive intentions, but the "martial law" decreed by coach Tarek Jarraya did not deter Etoile's determination.
Other Matches
6th in the standings, on the same line as ESM, who plays today against JSO, ESZ aimed to put an end to a period of drought that had caused them to drop in the rankings. However, against the lanterne rouge, Zliza, ES Zarzis was surprised around the 30th minute by Gabésien Nassim Khedher. Despite ESZ's efforts, the score remained unchanged, much to the delight of ASG, who are fighting to stay in the league. At Chtioui in La Marsa, ASM was surprised by JSK just before halftime with a goal from Youssef Azib. Later, in ideal conditions, JS Kairouanaise doubled their lead at the 60th minute with a goal from Ghislain Mounguidé, before ASM saved face five minutes from the end with a goal from Victorino Polaco. Finally, in Béja, the Cigognes started by pushing against AS Soliman, but luck did not smile on OB in the first half, as goalkeeper Moez Ben Chrifia repelled the penalty executed by Mohamed Hedi Hadouchi. Later, OB put pressure on and won with a goal from Islem Chalghoumi ten minutes from the end.
Results:
- Etoile du Sahel - US Monastir (1-0)
- ES Zarzis - AS Gabès (0-1)
- AS Marsa - JS Kairouan (1-2)
- Olympique Béja - AS Soliman (1-0) Read also: Ligue 1 - 20th day - USM: Conquerors
