Espérance de Tunis were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against CS Sfaxien at the Radès Olympic Stadium this evening in Ligue 1 Round 5 action. Despite dominating most of the match and taking an early lead, the Blood and Gold were pegged back in the second half and failed to convert their numerous chances.

From the kick-off, Espérance displayed an abundance of confidence, which was epitomized by the opening goal in the 5th minute through Rodrigo Rodrigues. The goalscorer, well-served by a set piece from compatriot Yan Sasse, headed home to beat the Sfaxien goalkeeper.

Territorially dominant, Espérance could have doubled their lead through Bouguerra in the 28th minute, but the striker missed the target after a fine move orchestrated by Bouchniba. CSS tried to react through Diby, but his shot in the 16th minute did not find the frame.

The match took an unexpected turn in the 45th minute when Roger Aholou was sent off for a second yellow card. Espérance were therefore down a man for the second half.

Despite this handicap, the Blood and Gold continued to dominate and created several chances. But in the 46th minute, following a monumental defensive error by Meriah, Diby capitalized to equalize and bring CSS back into the game (1-1).

Espérance pushed in the closing stages, but the winning goal refused to come. Meriah, in particular, missed a good opportunity in the 81st minute. The final score of 1-1 remained unchanged, signifying a frustrating underperformance for the Blood and Gold, who conceded their second consecutive draw.

EST Lineup: Memmiche, Bouchniba, Ben Hamida (Shili 46'), Meriah, Tougaï, Aholou, Chaâlali(c), Tka (Ayeb 89'), Sasse (Bukia 89'), Bouguerra (Ghacha 61') and Rodrigues (Ben Hammouda 89').

Yellow Cards: Aholou (2), Chaâlali.

Red Card: Aholou (45').