Quick Read
- Esperance Tunis defeated CA Bizertin 2-0 in a rescheduled Ligue 1 match.
- Kouceila Boualia and Achref Jabri scored for Esperance, moving them within a point of the summit.
- This was the 135th meeting between the teams since 1956; Esperance leads the rivalry.
- Esperance recently qualified for the CAF Champions League group stage.
Esperance Tunis Builds Momentum with a Pivotal Win
The latest chapter in Tunisia’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle unfolded at Hammadi Al-Aqrabi Stadium in Radès, where Esperance Sportive de Tunis seized a crucial 2-0 victory over CA Bizertin. This rescheduled fixture from matchday 11 was more than just another game—it was a test of mettle for both sides, with Esperance looking to reclaim the summit and Bizertin striving to climb out of the lower rungs of the table.
Esperance, known to fans as the Blood and Gold, found the breakthrough just before halftime. Kouceila Boualia’s precise strike pierced Bizertin’s defense, energizing a crowd hungry for a return to dominance. For a team that had stumbled to a goalless draw at ES Zarzis the previous week, the goal was a necessary statement.
CA Bizertin, meanwhile, entered the match under pressure. Their recent 2-0 loss to Club Sportif de Tunis had left them languishing in 10th place with just 12 points, a far cry from their aspirations earlier in the season. The question hovering over the stadium was whether they could muster a response and turn their season around.
Late Surge Seals the Result
As the match wore on, Esperance’s composure remained evident. The decisive moment came in the dying minutes: Achref Jabri, coming off the bench, hammered home the second goal. It was Jabri’s fifth strike across all competitions this season—a testament to his clinical finishing and the squad’s depth. The goal didn’t just secure the three points; it reaffirmed Esperance’s intentions to challenge for the title.
This victory propelled Esperance to 21 points, just one shy of joint leaders Club Africain and Stade Tunisien. The win also set the stage for a packed schedule, with four league matches in ten days and a highly anticipated derby against Club Africain looming on November 9.
Historic Rivalry Shapes Expectations
This encounter marked the 135th meeting between Esperance and CA Bizertin, a rivalry stretching back to 1956. The numbers are striking: Esperance has claimed victory 77 times, while Bizertin has managed 22 wins and 35 draws. For both sets of supporters, these matches are more than numbers—they are the heartbeat of Tunisian football.
With the historical weight of their head-to-head, the stakes felt even higher. Esperance’s dominance in these encounters has often mirrored their overall success in the league, but Bizertin’s rare triumphs have been cherished by their faithful as moments of defiance.
Champions League Success Fuels Domestic Ambitions
Esperance’s recent qualification for the group stage of the CAF Champions League, following a commanding 4-0 aggregate win over Rahimo FC, has added another layer of confidence. That result was a reminder of their pedigree not just in Tunisia, but across Africa. While continental competition remains a priority, the domestic title race is far from settled.
Looking ahead, Esperance faces CS Sfaxien on Sunday in what promises to be another demanding fixture. Club Africain, the current leader, will host AS Soliman, and Stade Tunisien is set to play away against JS Omrane. The top of the table is tightly packed, and every match carries outsized significance.
Broadcast and Fan Engagement
For fans eager to follow the drama, local broadcasters provided live coverage, making sure supporters could witness every decisive moment. The atmosphere in Radès was electric, with Esperance’s home crowd lending their unwavering support. In a league where passion runs deep, these matches are as much communal events as they are sporting contests.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain fixed on the top contenders. Will Esperance’s experience and squad depth be enough to reclaim the summit? Or will the relentless chase by Club Africain and Stade Tunisien keep them at bay?
Esperance’s hard-fought win over CA Bizertin is more than a simple three points—it’s a signal that the reigning champions are determined to make their mark in an increasingly competitive Ligue 1. With history, form, and ambition converging, the coming weeks will test whether Esperance can translate momentum into a sustained push for the title. Their next fixtures could well define the narrative of Tunisian football this season.