The Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès was the stage for one of Tunisia’s most anticipated football rivalries as Espérance Sportive de Tunis squared off against Étoile Sportive du Sahel in the Tunisian Ligue 1 Clasico. This Matchday 9 encounter, held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, drew fans from across the country, all eager to see whether Espérance could continue their dominant run or if Étoile would finally break their losing streak in this storied fixture.
The build-up to this match was electric. Espérance de Tunis entered the contest sitting third in the standings with 17 points from eight games, boasting an impressive record of five wins, two draws, and only one defeat. Their rivals, Étoile Sportive du Sahel, found themselves in a much tougher spot, languishing in 12th place with just nine points from eight matches. They had managed only two wins, three draws, and three losses so far this season—hardly the form you’d expect from one of Tunisia’s footballing giants.
All eyes were on the officiating, with the Tunisian refereeing committee appointing Khaled Kouider as the match referee and Osama Ben Isaak overseeing VAR duties. The stakes were high, with both teams’ passionate supporters hoping for a fair and drama-free contest. The match was broadcast live on national channel Watania 1 and Al Kass 2, ensuring that fans who couldn’t make it to the stadium wouldn’t miss a moment of the action.
When the whistle blew at 14:00 GMT, the tension was palpable. Espérance, the reigning national champions, were looking to extend their dominance in this classic showdown. The historical head-to-head record favored them: Espérance had won 56 times against Étoile Sportive du Sahel prior to this encounter, with their most recent victory coming just last February. Étoile, on the other hand, hadn’t tasted victory in this matchup since the 2020/2021 season, with 38 wins to their name and 44 draws between the two sides over the years.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with both teams battling for control in midfield and probing for weaknesses in each other’s defenses. But it was Espérance’s Brazilian midfielder, Yan Sasse, who proved to be the difference-maker. In the 28th minute, Sasse rose above the Étoile defense to head home from close range, sending the Taraji faithful into raptures. That solitary goal would turn out to be enough, as Espérance held firm against a determined but ultimately frustrated Étoile side.
“Yan Sasse was the hero for Taraji supporters after he headed in from close range in the 28th minute for the only goal of the match,” reported one source, capturing the essence of the moment that defined the game. Sasse’s impact was immediate and decisive, his presence in the box a constant threat to Étoile’s backline.
This latest victory means Espérance have now won the last seven meetings between these two powerhouses of Tunisian football. That’s a remarkable streak in a rivalry known for its unpredictability and intensity. For Étoile, the result was another bitter pill to swallow, as their search for a win against Espérance continues to drag on.
Elsewhere in the league, the title race remains fiercely competitive. Stade Tunisien, who maintained their undefeated record with a commanding 3-0 win over ES Zarzis the day before, continue to lead the table by a single point over Espérance. Recent signing Amine Haboubi was the star for Stade Tunisien, netting his first two goals for the club in a performance that delighted the home fans and put further pressure on their rivals.
The weekend’s other fixtures added to the drama at the top of the table. CS Sfaxien’s Tunisia U-20 national team forward, Omar Ben Ali, scored twice in a 3-0 victory over JS Kairouan, while Raed Chikhaoui’s late strike helped US Monastir edge past JS Omrane 2-1. Club Africain also picked up a crucial three points with a narrow 1-0 win over AS Gabes on Friday.
With only five points separating league leaders Stade Tunisien from fifth-placed ES Zarzis, the Tunisian Ligue 1 is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested seasons in recent memory. Every match counts, and the pressure is mounting on the traditional heavyweights to keep pace.
Back in Radès, the post-match reactions were a mix of relief and jubilation for Espérance, while Étoile’s players and fans were left to reflect on what might have been. The narrow margin of victory was a testament to the competitive spirit of both sides, but it was Espérance’s ability to seize their moment that ultimately made the difference.
“Esperance have now won the last seven meetings between the two powerhouses of Tunisian football,” noted another report, underscoring the psychological edge that Espérance now holds over their rivals. The significance of this winning streak cannot be overstated; it has given Espérance a stranglehold on the Clasico and left Étoile searching for answers.
For Espérance coach and players, the focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum and closing the gap on Stade Tunisien at the top of the table. With the league so finely poised, every point is crucial, and the confidence gained from yet another Clasico victory could prove invaluable in the weeks ahead.
Étoile, meanwhile, must regroup and find a way to turn their season around. Their position in 12th place is far below expectations for a club of their stature, and the pressure is mounting to deliver results. The absence of a win in this rivalry since the 2020/2021 season will no doubt be weighing heavily on the players and coaching staff alike.
As the dust settles on another memorable edition of the Tunisian Clasico, fans and pundits alike are left to ponder what the future holds for these two iconic clubs. Will Espérance continue their dominance, or can Étoile find the spark needed to reignite their campaign? One thing’s for sure: in Tunisian football, the next twist is never far away.
With the league table tighter than ever and the stakes rising with each passing week, all eyes will be on both Espérance and Étoile as they prepare for their next challenges. For now, though, it’s Espérance who hold the bragging rights—again—after another hard-fought victory in the country’s most storied rivalry.
