A rescheduled match between top Tunisian clubs Espérance ST and US Monastir was the only match over the weekend from the country’s top tier Ligue 1 Professionnelle and it ended all square in Tunis on Sunday. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane put the Blood and Gold into the lead in the second half but a late response from Haykeul Chikhaoui saved a point for USM in the end. Both teams are on eight points through two matches in the championship stage of the competition with Étoile du Sahel in the lead on nine points.
After a victory in the quarterfinals of the Coupe de Tunisie in the middle of the week, it appeared another goal from Ben Romdhane would give EST another win. In the 69th minute the Tunisia national team player scored his eighth goal in league play when he curled in an excellent direct free kick past Monastir goalkeeper Bechir Ben Saïd.
However the visitors from the central Tunisian coast are known for making things difficult for the reigning champions and fought back to share the spoils. In second half stoppage time, USM had several shots on target that were kept out by EST goalkeeper Mohamed Debchi but in the end it was Chikhaoui who sent a volley into the goal to spark joyful celebrations from the visiting club and disappointment among the home supporters.
Video of both goals from Sunday’s match are below.
69′- Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane curls in a free kick to give EST the lead
90+1′- Haykeul Chikhaoui volleys in a late leveler following a furious scramble in front of goal
