Blow for Espérance before Tunis derby against Club Africain

Espérance Tunis have suffered a blow ahead of their upcoming clash against rivals Club Africain in the capital derby, with the confirmation that Mohamed El Hajj Mahmoud will miss the next match due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

The Esperance player received his third yellow card of the season during the first half of his team's match, making him the first player from the squad confirmed to miss the upcoming derby, scheduled to take place on November 22, 2026, at the Rades Olympic Stadium, which will be hosted by Club Africain.

Haj Mahmoud, aged 26, joined Espérance during the last summer transfer window and has so far participated in 6 matches for the team, scoring one goal and providing an assist.

The absence of the player is a loss for Esperance ahead of an important clash, which comes amid a tight competition for the top positions in the Tunisian Professional League.

Espérance de Tunis are in second place with 13 points, having collected them from 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat, level with Stade Tunisien. Meanwhile, US Monastir sits in fourth place with 12 points, equal with Club Africain.