Tunisia Ligue 1: Espérance held, Club Africain edge Marsa

Club Africain were the big winners amongst Tunisia’s traditional powerhouse clubs from the opening matchday of the 2025-26 season while defending champions Espérance were held scoreless.

Ten minutes after coming on as a substitute, Mohamed Sadok Mahmoud produced an excellent 73rd minute strike to make the difference in Club Africain’s 1-0 victory over AS Marsa on Saturday. Looking to improve their level after failing to qualify for CAF interclub competition with a 4th place finish last season, it was youth product Mahmoud who emerged as the star.

For reigning champions Espérance, the Blood and Gold never got going in their 0-0 draw at AS Gabès on Saturday. EST were joined by US Monastir and Stade Tunisien on one point after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s showcase fixture. Tunisian international Moez Haj Ali equalized for hosts USM in the second half.

CS Sfaxien, after a massive squad rebuild ahead of the new season, continued their woes with a 1-2 defeat to ES Zarzis. Uganda national team star Travis Mutyaba scored on his debut but Moemen Rahmani’s brace carried visitors ESZ to victory, including his goal inside the opening minute that was a moment of humiliation for CSS goalkeeper Mohamed Hedi Gaaloul.

Etoile du Sahel also fell to defeat on the opening day with a 1-3 result at JS Omrane. The league will resume with the second matchday next weekend.

Results

ES Métlaoui 0-0 CA Bizertin

JS Kairouan 1-0 AS Soliman

AS Gabès 0-0 Espérance ST

Club Africain 1-0 AS Marsa

JS Omrane 3-1 Etoile du Sahel

CS Sfaxien 1-2 ES Zarzis

US Ben Guerdane 2-0 Olympique Béja

US Monastir 1-1 Stade Tunisien