In a thrilling encounter at Stade Taïeb Mhiri on November 2, 2025, ES Tunis claimed a hard-fought victory over CS Sfaxien, emerging with a final score of 2-1. This result not only showcased the skill and determination of the visiting side but also highlighted an essential turning point for both teams in this intense Ligue 1 clash.
The match had a mix of moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats, starting with two key penalty kicks that set the tone for what would become an exciting showdown. In the 27th minute, ES Tunis was awarded a penalty kick, though the identity of the taker remains unclear. Despite the opportunity to take an early lead, they failed to convert, showcasing the pressure felt on both sides as they battled for crucial points.
Less than twenty minutes later, just before halftime, CS Sfaxien responded with their own attempt from the spot after drawing a foul in the box. Unfortunately for them, they too were left wanting as they could not find the back of the net. The intensity ramped up as chances came and went, leaving both teams seeking redemption as they approached halftime.
It was in stoppage time of the first half when Youcef Belaïli broke through for ES Tunis, scoring at 45 +1' to give his team a critical 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. His goal seemed to energize his teammates and frustrated their opponents who had weathered much of their storm.
As players emerged for the second half, both teams knew that every moment counted. The urgency was palpable on both sides; while CS Sfaxien, now trailing, needed to find a way back into contention, ES Tunis looked to capitalize on their momentum.
The hosts pressed higher upfield and began pushing back against their visitors in search of equalizing glory. Their efforts paid off when they found an opportunity just hours after conceding-by channeling their defensive frustration into offensive ambition. With tenacity and teamwork evident among them, CS Sfaxien finally netted an equalizer from open play- igniting hopes of turning around their fortunes.
However, what followed was yet another twist in this compelling fixture's narrative. Just moments after CS Sfaxien celebrated their goal in unison with joy reverberating through suburban Sfax city streets, ES Tunis struck again to reestablish control over proceedings. The relentless pursuit culminated in another goal by an unidentified striker-capitalizing deftly on a defensive misstep-to thrust his side ahead once more at 2-1.
This decisive moment underlined how quickly matches can shift within Ligue 1's competitive atmosphere. Despite appearing invigorated following their equalizer minutes earlier and having displayed strong recent form themselves-including impressive victories leading up to this match-CS Sfaxien ultimately found themselves unable to muster another reply against a resolute opponent adept at holding leads late into games.
With this victory secured, ES Tunis reaffirmed its position within league standings-now sitting comfortably in third place with 24 points from 11 matches played (7 wins), further solidifying its title challenge prospects as they push toward matchday thirteen next week against Jeunesse Sportive Omrane. Meanwhile, for CS Sfaxien-the hope remains flickering despite being relegated to seventh place; now tallying only 17 points from eleven encounters-with upcoming fixtures providing opportunities aplenty for them to shift gears ahead of what looms as competitive remainder ahead.
From penalties missed amid high-pressure stakes early doors to breathtaking moments manifesting unfurling narratives over each goal scored-it has been football true to its nature witnessed today: joyous yet painful oscillation between elation and sorrow across supporters' hearts alike.