Tunisia Ligue 1: Espérance edge title rivals Stade Tunisien

Espérance forward Achref Jabri. Photo Credit: Espérance Sportive de Tunis 

Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis are continuing to fulfill expectations and establish themselves as the favorites to claim top honors in Tunisia's Ligue 1 Professionnelle.

The Blood and Gold secured a hard fought 1-0 victory at Stade Tunisien on Saturday, remaining three points clear at the top of the table. Forward Achref Jabri, who recently returned from a productive loan at ES Zarzis, scored the only goal of the match early in the second half.

EST looked more lively at the beginning of the match but well organized defending on both sides kept the match scoreless at the half. However a strong start from the title favorites saw them take the lead close to the hour mark when a long range blast was spilled by ST goalkeeper Sami Helal. Jabri reacted quickly and his sliding effort just snuck past Helal.

It is an important victory for EST, who maintained their pace to stay ahead of rivals Etoile du Sahel who found a late penalty kick to defeat US Tataouine 2-1. Oussema Abid finished from the spot in second half stoppage time to spare the blushes of ESS and avoid dropping points against last placed UST.

The 18th round will be completed on Sunday with the likes of US Monastir and Club Africain in action from four matches.

League Table (Top-6)

	GP	Points
Espérance ST	18	39
Etoile du Sahel	18	36
ES Zarzis	17	35
Stade Tunisien	18	35
Club Africain	17	34
US Monastir	17	33