Espérance continues in the lead in Tunisian league

2008-11-17

Matches in the Tunisian Premier League continued on Sunday, with Espérance remaining at the top of the rankings.

By Mona Yahia for Magharebia in Tunis – 17/11/08

[Mona Yahia] Youssef Msekni (left) is congratulated by Espérance President Hamadi Medeb, after scoring the winning goal against AS Kasserine on Sunday.

Espérance Sportive de Tunis maintained the lead in Tunisia's Premier Football League after defeating AS Kasserine 1-0 on Sunday (November 16th).

Youssef Msekni scored the lone goal in the 49th minute. With this win, Espérance now have 22 points and AS Kasserine remain at the bottom with six points.

The joy of victory, however, was tempered by official reports of injuries to fans during a stampede that collapsed one of the fences in the stadium. The injuries were reportedly mild.

Club Africain also achieved a remarkable 4-0 win over Club Sportif de Hammam-Lif in the ninth round.

Club Africain ranks 3rd on league’s list now with 17 points.

After the defeat, there was talk about Hammam-Lif hiring a new coach.

"We are intending to replace the coach," Monji Bahr, head of Hammam-Lif, told a TV station. "But we have no one in mind so far. Additionally, Hammam-Lif fans do not like the coach," he said about current trainer Ridha Akacha.

"I am in charge of an association, with fans breathing down my neck. I have to achieve results," he concluded. Thanks to the victory, Club Africain won themselves third place with 17 points, only 5 points away from the leading position. Hammam-Lif remain in 11th with just 7 points.

Also Sunday, ES Sahel managed to defeat Jendouba Sport 3-1. ES Sahel now have 21 points and rank second, while Jendouba Sport are tied with Hammam-Lif with seven points.

CS Sfaxien played a goalless match against CA Bizertin. Sfax dropped to 4th place with 15 points, while CA Bizertin now rank 10th with eight points.

La Marsa defeated ES Hammam Sousse, four goals to two. La Marsa therefore climb to 7th place with 11 points, whereas Sousse are in 9th with 10 points.

Stade Tunisien also defeated Olympique Béja 1-0, climbing to 5th position with 13 points. Olympique Béja comes 6th with 12 points.

US Monastir scored a key 1-0 victory over EGS Gafsa; their first this season on their turf. Monastir now ranks 7th with 11 points. Gafsa, however, stay in 11th position with seven points.

"This victory is essentially attributed to the players," said Lotfi Rhaiem, Monastir coach. "I also dedicate this victory to our fans, who stood behind us all along."

Gafsa Coach Moncef Arfaoui said that his players lost some of their focus throughout the match.