Under the observation of their new head coach Laurențiu Reghecampf, Espérance de Tunis (ES Tunis), known as the “Blood and Gold,” clinched a crucial 2-1 victory over AS Gabès at the Radès Stadium. This win marks their second consecutive triumph, signaling a potential turnaround for a team that has faced recent challenges.
The victory is particularly meaningful as it took place in front of Reghecampf, who was present in the stands, watching his squad in action for the first time.
The players seemed determined to showcase their resilience and skill, securing a much-needed win to move past their recent “results crisis.”
ES Tunis opened the scoring early in the match.
In a coordinated effort, Yan Sasse set up Rodrigo Rodrigues, who assisted Houssem Tka.
Although Tka initially missed his opportunity to score, he quickly regained control and delivered a perfect pass to Raed Bouchniba.
Bouchniba seized the chance, driving the ball past AS Gabès’ goalkeeper, Abelkader Chwaya, to bring the score to 1-0 in the 19th minute.
However, just as the momentum appeared to favor ES Tunis, a defensive lapse allowed AS Gabès to get back into the game.
ES Tunis goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche misjudged a shot, letting the ball slip through his hands.
AS Gabès forward Mohamed Camara capitalized on the error, scoring the equalizer in the 34th minute.
With the score level and the pressure mounting, ES Tunis responded with a renewed push.
Just before the end of the first half, young forward Koussay Maacha stepped up, delivering a stunning solo effort.
In the 44th minute, Maacha received the ball, maneuvered past the AS Gabès defenders, and expertly placed a shot into the top corner, restoring ES Tunis’ lead at 2-1.
The second half saw ES Tunis maintaining control over the game.
Dominating possession, the “Blood and Gold” pressed forward and created multiple scoring opportunities.
Although they did not extend their lead, their solid performance prevented AS Gabès from mounting a comeback.
In other Ligue 1 matches, Espérance Sportive de Zarzis benefited from their 2-1 victory over Olympique de Béja, which allowed them to claim the top position in the standings.
Club Africain also emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Tataouine, while Stade Tunisien played to a goalless draw with JS Omrane.
The second round of the 8th day of Ligue 1 matches is set for Sunday, featuring notable matchups, including the classic clash between US Monastir and CS Sfaxien.
Sunday’s schedule includes:
- 1:30 p.m. (GMT): CA Bizertin vs. ES Sahel
Referee: Mehrez Melki
- 1:30 p.m. (GMT): AS Soliman vs. EGS Gafsa
Referee: Seif Ouertani
- 3:00 p.m. (GMT): US Monastir vs. CS Sfaxien
Referee: Naim Hosni
- 1:30 p.m. (GMT): ES Métlaoui vs. US Ben Guerdane
Referee: Haythem Kossai
With the “Blood and Gold” now regaining form and other top teams jockeying for position, the competition in Tunisia’s Ligue 1 is heating up as teams push for strong finishes in this phase of the season.
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