CWC: Africa strikes back and wins for the second time

We've already gotten used to seeing surprises in the current stage of the FIFA Club World Cup—most of them delivered so far by South American teams against some of Europe’s biggest clubs. But now it seems Africa is ready to claim its piece of glory. And we know people from Africa know how to celebrate both the small and the grand moments. Nashville is known as the city of music, and last night it echoed with the sounds of Malouf, the most beloved music genre in Tunisia. The players of Esperance sang in the name of their pride, a pride they displayed against Los Angeles—who missed a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time—and secured a huge 1–0 victory.

Tunisia’s most decorated club didn’t look good against Flamengo. In fact, they looked like the Club World Cup was too big a stage for them. They were outplayed, outrun, and ultimately defeated. Many believed they had no chance against Los Angeles either, especially since the American side featured experienced players like Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud—seasoned veterans who know how to win on the biggest stages. Esperance doesn’t have that level of class, but they had the courage and pride to strike first—to come out with determination, grit, and daring in a way that Los Angeles never managed throughout the match. The only time the hosts came close to doing something was in the dying moments of the match. A reckless challenge from one of the visiting players led Norwegian referee Espen Eskas to point to the spot. Denis Bouanga—who had scored 22 of his previous 25 penalties—stepped up. He seemed like the man you'd trust with the ball in such moments. But fate—or rather, goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said—had other plans. He saved it. Justice was served.

If it hadn’t been for Lloris, who knows how many goals would’ve ended up in Los Angeles’ net. Just five minutes in, Youcef Belaïli found himself one-on-one with the French keeper, who pulled off a phenomenal save to deny a seemingly certain goal. Minutes later, Rodrigo Rodrigues unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that smacked off the post. Los Angeles was completely pinned back. Things didn’t improve in the second half. The hosts were toothless in attack. Giroud was invisible, despite putting in a fight and getting one header on target—but from a player of his caliber, it wasn’t nearly enough. Yan Sasse could’ve given Esperance the lead, but Lloris once again pulled off a miraculous foot save from five meters out. But if that was brilliance, there was nothing he could do in the 71st minute when Belaïli struck the ball perfectly, sending Esperance fans into absolute delirium—they were ready to storm the pitch in celebration.

However, the goal scorer won't be available for the next match against Chelsea. He’s picked up two yellow cards in two games—both for simulation and trying to win a penalty. Esperance had several chances to finish off their opponent. First, Khalil Guennichi hit the crossbar, and minutes later Yan Sasse missed a golden chance, blasting over the bar from an ideal position. The peak of the drama came in stoppage time—but maybe that’s how it has to be. There’s no great success without a little suffering. Esperance endured the suffering and, with tears in their eyes, rejoiced in a monumental triumph.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025

Matchday 2

Saturday

Los Angeles - Esperance 0-1 (0-0)

/Belaili 70/

Bayern - Boca Juniors 2-1 (1-0)

/Kane 18, Olise 84 - Merentiel 66/

19:00: (9.00) Mamelodi (5.80) Dortmund (1.30)

22:00: (1.20) Inter Milan (6.75) Urawa RD (14.0)

Sunday

00:55: (1.27) Fluminense (5.60) Ulsan (12.0)

04:00: (2.15) River Plate (3.35) Monterrey (3.45)

19:00: (1.22) Juventus (6.25) Wydad Casablanca (14.0)

22:00: (1.22) Real Madrid (6.50) Pachuca (12.0)

Monday

00:55: (4.10) Salzburg (3.60) Al Hilal (1.88)

04:00: (1.05) Man.City (14.0) Al Ain (35.0)

***odds are subject to change***