Espérance de Tunis Secures Victory Against CA Bizertin
Given the opportunities created, Espérance de Tunis could have increased their lead against CA Bizertin, who did not undertake much throughout the game.
The Match
Seeking to regain their winning momentum, Espérance de Tunis approached yesterday's match against CA Bizertin with the goal of achieving their second consecutive victory, following their success last Sunday in the Champions League against Rahimo FC. To achieve this, the Espérance team opted for a completely offensive game from the start.
Only six minutes into the game, the first attempt by Espérance de Tunis was made: Chiheb Jebali's shot went over the crossbar. At the 12th minute, following a cross from the left by Nidhal Laifi, Florian Danho rebounded with an overhead kick, but the ball passed just beside the goalpost. Danho returned with another attempt a few minutes later, with a shot that hit the left post (25th minute).
With this frantic pace, it was clear that an Espérance de Tunis goal was imminent. Instead of putting the ball into the net, Danho provided an assist by heading the ball for Kouceila Boualia, who accelerated from the center of the field, dribbled past CA Bizertin's defender Farouk Bougatfa, and, without hesitation, lobbed the goalkeeper Youssef Maktouf (41st minute). It was a beautiful goal!
As for CA Bizertin during the first half, they were not very active, except for perhaps Zied Berrima's attempt at the beginning of the match (10th minute), before being subjected to the rhythm imposed by their hosts.
Determination Despite Missed Opportunities
After the break, the debates resumed with the same intensity, with an offensive Espérance de Tunis and a CA Bizertin team trying, with difficulty, to get back into the game. However, despite the changes made, the northern team only created one genuine opportunity: Mbaye's shot went widely over the crossbar (72nd minute).
Meanwhile, Espérance de Tunis continued to apply high pressure, multiplying their attempts, such as Belaïli's acceleration before serving Laifi, whose shot was deflected into a corner by Cissokho (55th minute), or Jabri's cross from the left for Maacha, whose diving header passed just beside the goalpost (84th minute). Not to mention Konaté's work, who dribbled past all the defenders but, at the moment of shooting, had the ball taken away by the CA Bizertin goalkeeper, which he had kept for too long (87th minute).
And, by sheer force of will, Espérance de Tunis finally scored their second goal: a pass back to the last line by Onuche Ogbelu for Achref Jabri, who only had to put the ball into the net (90th minute).
A clear victory for Espérance de Tunis, whose finishing was terribly lacking at times. As for CA Bizertin, they were far from the mark, too unenterprising to hope to turn the tables.
Lineups
Espérance de Tunis: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali (Bouzaiene 57'), Laifi, Ben Hmida, Jelassi, Ogbelu, Tka, Jebali (Jabri 79'), Boualia (Konaté 57'), Danho (Maacha 79'), and Belaïli (A. Derbali 90'+2). CA Bizertin: Maktouf, Mouelhi (Taimi 70'), Jaballah, Bougatfa, Rhimi, Guesmi, AY. Amri (Cissokho 16'), Fonseca, Dridi (Mehri 79'), AH. Amri (Seydi 79'), and Berrima (Mbaye 70').
