After having a ten-match unbeaten run ended on Saturday, Espérance ST got back to winning form in timely fashion with an important 3-0 victory over rivals Etoile du Sahel in the latest edition of the Tunisian Classico on Wednesday.
Tied on points at the top of the table heading into the match, the result could be a decisive one for the Blood and Gold. It could have been a different story with the first excellent opportunity falling to Etoile's Fedi Ben Choug who somehow shot wide with the goal begging in the 6th minute.
Not too long after, EST had their first major chance when forward Achref Jabri was tripped by ESS goalkeeper Anas Khardani in the penalty area. Espérance star Youcef Belaïli had no problem dispatching his spot kick past the young goalkeeper and the reigning Tunisian champions were ahead in the 13th minute.
It only got worse for Etoile. In the 29th minute a well whipped in corner kick from Chiheab Jebali found EST defender Hamza Jelassi for a powerful header past Khardani and it was 2-0 inside the opening half hour.
Etoile attempted to regroup at halftime but before three minutes elapsed, it was EST who were up by three goals. A cross from the right wing was touched into the air by Elias Mokwana and right back Raed Bouchniba reacted quickly to produce a volleyed karate kick finish for his third goal in all competitions this season.
EST are now three points clear of their rivals at the top of the table but the victory also gives the title favorites a massive confidence boost with only eight matches remaining in the campaign. The result puts an end to a 14-match unbeaten run for ESS who next host CA Bizertin on Saturday while EST travel to AS Gabès on the same day.
League Table (Top-5)
GP | Points | |
Espérance ST | 22 | 48 |
Etoile du Sahel | 22 | 45 |
US Monastir | 21 | 43 |
Club Africain | 21 | 43 |
ES Zarzis | 22 | 41 |
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