Esperance Sportive de Tunis began their pre-season campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Saudi Pro League side Al Hazem in an international club friendly held on August 5, 2026. The Blood and Gold, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, used the match to test their new-look squad ahead of the upcoming domestic and continental season, and they found themselves pushed all the way by a determined Al Hazem outfit.

Match Overview

Played under warm conditions, the friendly served as an important fitness and tactical checkpoint for both coaching staffs. Esperance showed flashes of their trademark attacking intensity, but Al Hazem matched them with energetic pressing and clinical finishing. The 2-2 scoreline reflected a balanced contest where both teams had periods of control and created clear-cut chances.

Key Moments

• Early rhythm: Esperance dominated possession in the opening stages and took the lead through a well-worked move, finishing calmly from inside the box.
• Al Hazem response: The visitors equalised before the interval, capitalising on a defensive lapse from a set piece to head home from close range.
• Second-half swing: Al Hazem surprised Esperance with a quick counter-attack midway through the second half to take a 2-1 lead.
• Late rescue: Esperance pushed forward in the final quarter, earning a penalty that was converted to secure the draw and preserve their unbeaten start to pre-season.

Tactical Story

Esperance coach used the fixture to rotate his squad, giving valuable minutes to a blend of experienced internationals and promising academy products. The Tunisian side looked comfortable building from the back and created overloads on the wings, but their defensive transition was exposed at times. Al Hazem, meanwhile, demonstrated organisation and resilience, proving to be a tough opponent for any team preparing for competitive football.

Standout Players

For Esperance, the attacking midfielders provided much of the creative spark, while the late penalty showed composure under pressure. On the Al Hazem side, their central midfield pairing impressed with their work rate and ability to break up play, while the second goal showcased their speed on the break.

What It Means

While friendly results are rarely the primary focus, the draw provides Esperance with useful insights into their squad depth and tactical flexibility. The match also gave fans a first glimpse of the team’s style heading into the new season. Al Hazem, meanwhile, will take confidence from a strong performance against a side of Esperance’s calibre as they continue their own preparation.

The two teams will now move on to their next scheduled pre-season fixtures, with Esperance hoping to sharpen their finishing and defensive coordination, while Al Hazem looks to build on this encouraging all-around display.