All of the momentum in Tunisian football is in favor of Tunis giants Espérance ST, who faced stiff resistance on Wednesday but came back from a two-goal deficit to defeat ES Zarzis in Ligue 1 play.
Three days after claiming the Tunisian Super Cup, the Blood and Gold got off to a rough start against Zarzis who have performed excellently this season. Savvy loan signings have benefited ESZ and the forward on loan from Club Africain, 20-year-old Youssef Snana, opened the scoring with his ninth goal in the 22nd minute before setting up Younes Rached for a second four minutes later.
However, a red card was issued to Lamjed Rjili shortly after Rached's goal and things fell apart for the visitors. Youcef Belaïli converted a penalty kick in the 32nd minute and then assisted Achef Jabri, who was called back to EST after a productive loan with ESZ, for his 4th goal in seven matches since rejoining the Tunisian champions.
Zarzis defended well in the second half but late goals from Onuche Ogbelu and Mohamed Tougai confirmed victory for EST.
Also in action were EST's rivals, Etoile du Sahel, who won 3-1 at Stade Tunisien to remain three points back of the league leaders. The young starlets of ESS carried the coastal giants to victory with Oussema Abid and Tunisia under-20 internationals Raki Aouani and Ibrahim Souissi the goal scorers.
EST and ESS appear to be the main contenders at this point but US Monastir and Club Africain will have a chance to move back into the picture when they play on Thursday.
League Table (Top-8)
GP | Points | |
Espérance ST | 20 | 45 |
Etoile du Sahel | 20 | 42 |
ES Zarzis | 20 | 38 |
US Monastir | 19 | 37 |
Club Africain | 19 | 37 |
Stade Tunisien | 20 | 36 |
ES Métlaoui | 20 | 28 |
CS Sfaxien | 19 | 28 |
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