Esperance Sportive de Tunis began their 2026 preseason campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Saudi Pro League side Al Hazem in an international club friendly on August 5, 2026. The match, played behind closed doors at the club's training ground, provided both coaches with valuable minutes for their squads as they fine-tune preparations for the upcoming domestic and continental seasons.

Match Overview: A Balanced Contest in Tunis

Esperance, the perennial Tunisian giants and multiple-time CAF Champions League winners, took control early but were twice pegged back by a resilient Al Hazem outfit. The Blood and Gold opened the scoring in the first half through a well-worked move down the right flank, with a composed finish beating the visiting goalkeeper. Al Hazem, however, responded bravely, equalizing before halftime with a header from a corner kick, showcasing their aerial threat on set pieces.

The second half mirrored the first, with Esperance again taking the lead after a swift counter-attack, only for Al Hazem to level matters once more with a long-range strike that curled into the bottom corner. The match ended 2-2, giving head coach Miguel Cardoso plenty of observations about his team's defensive transitions and attacking fluidity.

Tactical Observations and Squad Rotation

With the new Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 season looming and continental commitments on the horizon, Esperance coach used the friendly to rotate heavily, handing minutes to young prospects and returning internationals. The team's pressing intensity was visible in the opening exchanges, while Al Hazem's composed buildup play tested Esperance's shape. The Tunisian side dominated possession for large spells, but their final-third decision-making left room for improvement.

• Esperance strengths: Quick combination play in midfield, attacking width, and dangerous transitions.
• Areas to address: Defensive concentration on set pieces and conceding momentum after taking the lead.
• Al Hazem positives: Physical presence in both boxes, effective dead-ball routines, and strong fitness levels for this stage of preseason.

Standout Players

For Esperance, the attacking midfielder pulling the strings in the number 10 role was the standout performer, constantly finding pockets of space between the lines and providing the assist for the second goal. Al Hazem's goalkeeper also impressed with a string of saves, including a one-on-one stop that kept his side in the contest during the second half.

Preseason Context and What Comes Next

This friendly forms part of Esperance's broader preseason schedule ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with the club aiming to reclaim the Tunisian title and make another deep run in African competitions. Al Hazem, preparing for the Saudi Pro League, will value the competitive workout against a side of Esperance's caliber. While friendly results are rarely the primary focus, the 2-2 scoreline gave both sets of supporters a glimpse of their team's potential heading into the new season.

With the international break behind them and the start of competitive action approaching, both coaches will be encouraged by fitness levels but will be demanding more ruthlessness in front of goal as the preseason grind continues.