Youcef Belaïli marked his return from suspension with a decisive performance on Saturday, helping Espérance Sportive de Tunis to a narrow 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien on Matchday 28 of the Tunisian Ligue 1 season.
Back in the starting lineup after serving a two-match ban, the Algerian international immediately made his presence felt, playing a central role in the match and proving once again his value to Espérance as they push for the league title.
Belaïli had been sidelined for over three weeks following a disciplinary suspension handed down for an inappropriate gesture during a fixture against Jeunesse Sportive d’El Omrane.
His return came at a critical juncture for the Rades-based club, with the title race reaching its climax.
Starting and staying on the pitch until the 92nd minute, Belaïli delivered a performance full of energy and precision.
His influence was evident in nearly every attacking phase, showcasing both technical prowess and tactical intelligence.
His ability to read the game and create opportunities kept the pressure on Sfaxien’s defence throughout the encounter.
The only goal of the match, which proved to be the winner, came from a move initiated and developed by Belaïli.
Though he did not score, his role in constructing the attack was vital, underlining his knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most.
Yanito pour son 11éme but de la saison ouvre le score et un finish incroyable ! 🤩 🇧🇷
Ben Hmida incroyable effort encore pic.twitter.com/1zauf6nuwP
— Espérance Time (@EsperanceTime_) May 3, 2025
The result sees Espérance de Tunis reclaim top spot in the league standings, now sitting on 62 points, two ahead of their nearest challengers with just two matches left to play.
The victory was further boosted by US Monastir’s draw, allowing Espérance to widen the gap at the summit.
Elsewhere on the pitch, Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougaï made a late appearance from the bench.
While his time on the field was brief, it did not go unnoticed, as he received a yellow card in stoppage time, a reminder of the match’s physical and high-stakes nature.
As the season nears its conclusion, Espérance will look to maintain their momentum, with Belaïli once again at the heart of their ambitions.
His return could not have been more timely, as the club sets its sights firmly on lifting the championship trophy.
