Tunisia Ligue 1: Rodrigues’ late winner gives Espérance crucial Tunis Derby victory

With a tight title race ongoing in Tunisia’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle, there was even more at stake than usual in the latest edition of the Tunis Derby between rivals Espérance ST and Club Africain on Sunday.

A late Rodrigo Rodrigues penalty kick helped EST to an essential 3-1 victory to remain level with US Monastir at the top of the table. Espérance defender Hamza Jelassi’s 12th minute goal put the Blood and Gold ahead but CA forward Hamdi Labidi leveled the match just before halftime from the penalty spot.

However, before the hour mark CA were reduced to ten players after a red card was issued to goalkeeper Ghaith Yeferni for a handball outside his penalty area.

EST controlled proceedings from then on with Rodrigues converting from the spot and Achref Jebri adding another goal in stoppage time.

The defending champions remain level on 59 points with Monastir, who had an easy time in their 3-0 victory over AS Soliman. All three goals were scored before forty minutes had elapsed as USM extended their unbeaten streak to eleven matches in all competitions.

On Saturday, Etoile du Sahel scored twice in the opening five minutes on their way to a 4-1 victory at JS Omrane. ESS are now in a strong position to claim third place after CA’s derby defeat, moving a point ahead and also having a game in hand.

Next week, Espérance will host CS Sfaxien on Saturday while Monastir travel for a tricky match at Stade Tunisien.

Results

JS Omrane 1-4 Etoile du Sahel

CS Sfaxien 1-1 ES Metlaoui

ES Zarzis 3-0 US Tataouine

Olympique Beja 0-0 Stade Tunisien

US Monastir 3-0 AS Soliman

US Ben Guerdane 3-0 AS Gabes

EGS Gafsa 2-0 CA Bizertin

Club Africain 1-3 Esperance ST

League Table (Top-5)