Espérance fail to seize first place in Tunisia Ligue 1 following draw

Espérance Tunis remain in second place in the Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle after Les Sang et Or were held to a 0-0 draw by CS Sfaxien at the Radès Olympic Stadium.

 

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The crucial moment arrived after the half hour mark when center back Mohamed Amine Tougai missed a first half penalty kick for EST. The strong CS Sfaxien defense made life difficult for sputtering Espérance attack, who failed to find a goal in a missed opportunity.

On Wednesday, leaders Club Africain conceded a late goal to draw relegation candidates AS Soliman and give the defending champions a massive opportunity to move level. However, the situation remains the same after the 27th matchday in a tight race for the title with EST trailing CA by two points.

Three rounds remain, with May 8 marked on the calendars of Tunisian football enthusiasts. The Tunis Derby will take place with massive implications, as the two giants from the capital prepare to duel in a match that will likely decide the champion.

But EST are enduring the worst stretch of the campaign, having failed to win in their last five matches across all competitions. They will next travel to face JS Omrane on Monday, where they must win to keep the pressure on Club Africain. CA have a potentially difficult fixture of their own at home on Sunday when they host Stade Tunisien.

CS Sfaxien have secured third place by this point, and have an outside of chance of boosting themselves into the title race. They trail EST by four points and will host Olympique Beja in their next fixture.

How the table looks for Espérance after Thursday’s result