US Ben Guerdane 0–1 Esperance Sportive de Tunis
Tunisian Professional League 1 – May 14, 2026, 23:00

Esperance Sportive de Tunis edged out US Ben Guerdane in a tightly contested affair, securing a narrow 1–0 away victory that extended their lead at the top of the Tunisian Professional League 1 table. The solitary goal came in a match defined by defensive discipline and a moment of quality from the capital side.

Match Overview

Playing at the Stade Municipal de Ben Guerdane, the home side set out to frustrate the league leaders with a deep‑lying block. Esperance, however, remained patient and eventually found the breakthrough midway through the second half. US Ben Guerdane pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not break down a resolute Esperance backline.

Key Moments

• 66th minute: Esperante’s attacking midfielder Anis Ben Hatira unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that clipped the post before nestling in the net, giving the visitors the lead.
• 82nd minute: US Ben Guerdane came closest to scoring when striker Abdelkader Oueslati saw his header brilliantly saved by Esperance goalkeeper Mohamed Sedki.
• 90+3 minute: A last‑ditch tackle by Esperance centre‑back Yassine Meriah denied Oueslati a clear shooting chance in the box.

Tactical Story

US Ben Guerdane deployed a disciplined 5‑4‑1 formation, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Esperance, in their usual 4‑2‑3‑1, controlled possession but struggled to find gaps in the first half. The introduction of creative midfielder Hamza Lahmar at half‑time added more incision, and his interplay with Ben Hatira proved decisive. Defensively, Esperance stayed compact and forced the home side into speculative long‑range efforts.

Standout Players

• Anis Ben Hatira (Esperance): Scored the match‑winner and was a constant creative force.
• Mohamed Sedki (Esperance): Made two crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
• Abdelkader Oueslati (US Ben Guerdane): Led the line well and was unlucky not to score.

Table Impact

Esperance’s victory moved them three points clear at the summit of the Tunisian Professional League 1, with the title race firmly in their hands. US Ben Guerdane remained in the bottom half, now five points above the relegation zone, but they will take heart from a competitive showing against the champions.