Stade Tunisien slam officiating after narrow defeat to Esperance

Stade Tunisien have launched a scathing attack on the refereeing decisions following their 1-0 loss to Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the Tunisian Ligue 1.

The fixture, a postponed encounter from the 20th round, ended in favour of Esperance, who capitalised on a first-half breakthrough to secure all three points in a tightly contested affair.

Esperance asserted their dominance early in the match and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Hossam Tekka found the back of the net with what ultimately proved to be the decisive goal. The hosts controlled much of the first half, dictating the tempo and limiting Stade Tunisien’s attacking threat.

After the break, Stade Tunisien improved significantly in terms of possession and territorial advantage. However, despite enjoying more of the ball in the second half, they struggled to carve out clear-cut chances, allowing Esperance to hold on to their slender lead until the final whistle.

Following the defeat, Stade Tunisien issued a fiery statement strongly criticising the officiating during the encounter. The club expressed dissatisfaction with key decisions made by the referee, suggesting that certain calls had a direct impact on the outcome of the match.

The result proved significant in the title race. Esperance’s victory lifted them to 46 points, sending them back to the top of the league standings, one point ahead of fierce rivals Club Africain.

Attention now shifts to continental competition, where Esperance are set to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League. The first leg will be played at the Stade Olympique de Radès on Friday, March 13, before the return leg on March 20.

Meanwhile, Esperance recently confirmed the appointment of French coach Patrice Beaumelle on an 18-month contract. The former Angola national team boss will be hoping to build on the club’s domestic momentum as they chase both league and continental glory.