Tunisian Classico: Espérance and Étoile du Sahel cancel each other out

One of Tunisia’s major derby matches ended in controversial fashion with both sets of supporters disappointed after Espérance de Tunis and Étoile du Sahel played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday in the Tunisian Classico.

Controversy was the theme of the day after ESS were denied a penalty kick following a VAR review early in the match (video above). Inside the opening five minutes, a pass towards the EST six-yard box took a deflection before going off the arm of captain Mohamed Ben Hamida. Initially given as a penalty kick by the referee, after reviewing the video he reversed his decision.

The decision spoiled a strong start from ESS, who put the reigning champions and CAF Champions League semifinalists under pressure. EST recovered to gain some momentum towards the end of the first half in an even and tight clash.

The second half featured more delays and stoppages of play, with the match becoming less entertaining as injuries and the more ugly aspects of football came to the forefront. Espérance are three points ahead of second place Club Africain, who will have an opportunity to move level if they can defeat AS Gabès on Sunday.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Diwan Sport (@diwansport)

Remarkably, there were zero goals scored between the three matches on Saturday. JS Omrane held US Monastir to a scoreless draw at home while ES Zarzis and Stade Tunisien played to a draw as well.

Now all eyes turn to Club Africain to see if they can move level with reigning champions EST on Sunday. Espérance remain vulnerable due to fixture congestion and will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League, where they will host the first leg of their semifinal clash against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns next Sunday.

Ligue 1 table following Tunisian Classico