Belaili was able to rediscover his know-how (Ph. Mokhtar H'MIMA)
Beyond a state of mind, the culture of winning is the hallmark of Espérance de Tunis. This is why the crises of results do not last long on the side of Park B.
The draw conceded a week earlier before the CAB in Radès certainly made the mission of the “Blood and Gold” in Sousse more difficult, but ultimately, it did them a favor, given that winning the victory in Sousse was the the only alternative left for the players to dispel the doubt that had arisen.
As for Skander Kasri, some voices were raised to criticize his statement made after the CAB match, believing that it had the effect of overmotivating the opponent: “We are used to knowing how to travel to Sousse and make a good result”.
And if Skander Kasri was so sure of himself, it's because the last confrontations against the ESS, just those of last season, proved him right. The four confrontations of the 2023-2024 season, two in the league and two in the group stage of the Champions League, were won by the EST.
Furthermore, Esperance is used to winning in Sousse, despite all the pressure at the stadium. Also, the “blood and gold” club is not in the habit of sinking into doubt and for good reason: the culture of winning is the hallmark of Esperance de Tunis.
Belaïli: the art of making oneself forgive…
The victory brought back from Sousse highlighted a fact which has dissipated in recent times because of the crisis of results which has loomed: the “blood and gold” squad has not revealed all its secrets. One player, in particular, was forgiven by unblocking the situation: Youssef Belaïli. A talented player and, above all, with a strong character, who still needs a coach who knows how to channel his energy for the benefit of the team game. It is also an individual talent that must be taken advantage of. An equation that Skander Kasri tried to find against the CAB where he forced his favorite player to play collectively with Yan Sasse, among others, and also forced him to apply himself tactically by concentrating his room for maneuver on his left lane . By forcing his player to be tactically disciplined, Skander Kasri reaped the fruits of his work on Sunday: when the situation was stalemate, an individual exploit from Belaïli saved the EST when he slipped on the left (his lane of action), dribbled past Ghedamsi and Aouani before sending a powerful shot unfortunately deflected by Zied Boughattas who deceived his own goalkeeper, Ali Jemal. A nice goal which demonstrates the experience, but above all the crazy talent of the Algerian left winger.
Mokwana, the new force strike!
Another player now constitutes Esperance's new strike force with Youssef Belaïli. It's Elias Mokwana we're talking about. The South African right winger scored his first goal in “blood and gold” colors on Sunday in the most beautiful way: recovering the ball from midfield, he accelerated, dribbling past the two opposing central defenders: Zied Boughattas (him again) and Chérif Camara, before attempting a first shot cleared by Ali Jemal, to return afterwards into the net. For a first achievement, Mokwana scored a nice goal which indicates a hitherto hidden talent (at least at club level, but not in the South African selection). He also killed the match by doubling the lead.
Mokwana, who does not yet have a full match in his legs, knows how to be useful while he plays, something again that Kasri grasped and the South African returned the favor.
That said, Skander Kasri succeeded in the mission entrusted to him during the transition phase, that of making the players regain confidence in themselves. The interim “blood and gold” coach knew that only victory would unlock the mind affected by the latest poor results.
