Tunisia: US Monastir humble leaders Espérance de Tunis

Former Tunisia national team forward Fakhreddine Ben Youssef was among the scorers for US Monastir as they took down reigning Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle champions and current leaders Espérance de Tunis on Monday.

After over seven seasons spent abroad in Saudi Arabia and mostly Egypt, veteran forward Ben Youssef came back to ruin the day for the club he made his name with. The former Pyramids FC and Al Masry player headed in the equalizer to spark a comeback victory for the club based on the coast.

A strong start for visitors Espérance was confirmed when Burkina Faso youth international forward Jack Diarra scored on his debut inside ten minutes. The 2023 U-17 World Cup veteran lashed in from close range after a free kick was knocked down in the USM penalty area.

But Ben Youssef leveled the match before the half hour mark with a composed header and it was a struggle for the league leaders from that point on. Just over a minute into the second half, a quick throw-in down the left flank set up Youssef Abdelli for a brilliant dribbling run that saw him avoid two defenders before going around EST goalkeeper Bechir Ben Saïd to finish into an empty net.

US Monastir, who provided a firm challenge last season to the reigning champions, continue to recover from a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign. They remain seven points back of the leaders but are unbeaten in their last seven league matches since being eliminated in the qualifying stages of the CAF Champions League.

 

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Espérance remain only three points ahead of closest challengers Club Africain, who now have a match in hand on the Blood and Gold. CA will be in action on Thursday against Étoile du Sahel when the 17th round finishes up. Third place side Stade Tunisien will take part in the only match on Tuesday when they travel to face JS Kairouan.

Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle Table