Tunisia Ligue 1: Espérance break AS Soliman resistance to move top

Tunisian giants Espérance ST completed their gradual ascension to the summit of the table in the Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionelle on Sunday following a 4-2 victory over cash strapped AS Soliman.

An eventful first half saw five goals scored between both sides. Visitors Soliman responded twice after Houssem Tka’s opening goal and Youcef Belaïli’s penalty kick in the 38th minute. However, EST left back Mohamed Ben Hamida’s goal just before halftime broke the resistance of Soliman and gave EST a 3-2 lead.

It was an inspired effort from Soliman who have experienced financial issues this campaign with players walking out on their duties at one point. However, the three points were secure for EST after Brazilian attacker Yan Sasse produced a composed finish under Soliman goalkeeper Hamza Ghanmi in the 68th minute.

After previous leaders Stade Tunisien could only manage a scoreless draw at ES Métlaoui on Saturday, EST’s victory moved them a point clear of both ST and ES Zarzis who defeated EGS Gafsa on Saturday to continue their surprisingly successful campaign. Club Africain joined ST in achieving an underwhelming result by drawing 1-1 at JS Omrane.

Video: JS Omrane 1-1 Club Africain highlights

Étoile du Sahel, like their rivals Espérance, are also continuing to thrive after a poor start to the campaign. A Firas Chaouat penalty kick in the first half resulted in a 1-0 victory against US Monastir despite ESS being reduced to ten players soon after Chaouat’s goal when Cedrick Gbo was sent off in the 38th minute. Only three points separate Espérance from sixth placed Monastir.

Results

ES Zarzis 1-0 EGS Gafsa

ES Métlaoui 0-0 Stade Tunisien

JS Omrane 1-1 Club Africain

Espérance ST 4-2 AS Soliman

AS Gabes 0-1 Olympique Béja

Étoile du Sahel 1-0 US Monastir

US Ben Guerdane 0-2 CS Sfaxien

CA Bizertin 3-1 US Tataouine

League Table (Through 17 Rounds)