Tunisia: Esperance move within reach of the summit

Esperance Sportive de Tunis are only one point back of co-leaders Club Africain and Stade Tunisien in the Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle following Thursday’s 2-0 victory over CA Bizertin.

Kouceila Boualia’s goal close to halftime provided the breakthrough for the reigning league and cup champions of Tunisia, who previously dropped points last week with a 0-0 draw at ES Zarzis. Substitute Achref Jabri finished off the victory in the 90th minute for his fifth goal in all competitions this season to move EST closer to retaking top spot.

The Blood and Gold confirmed their place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League last weekend with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Burkinabe champions Rahimo FC in the final round of qualifying. Thursday’s match marked the first of four Ligue 1 matches in ten days, culminating in a derby clash with leaders Club Africain on November 9.

EST next travel to face CS Sfaxien on Sunday during a full slate of matches from the top flight this weekend. Club Africain host AS Soliman on Saturday while Stade Tunisien will play away at midtable side JS Omrane on Sunday.