The only goal of the match came from Algerian international Youcef Belaïii in the 40th minute of the first half, from a penalty that sparked widespread controversy, after referee Hossam Boularas awarded it due to a handball by defender Marwan Sahraoui, who strongly protested, insisting that he did not intentionally touch the ball.
The match witnessed a controversial moment after a strong objection from Belaïii towards the referee, amid explanations suggesting an ethical transgression towards the referee's mother, which provoked mixed reactions on the field.
Despite the improvement in the performance of the Stade Tunisien in the second half, Esperance, led by coach Maher Kanzari, managed to maintain its lead, displaying defensive tactical discipline and preventing any real threat to its goal.
Esperance almost doubled the score with a second goal from a clear breakaway after a precise pass from Belaïii, but the Tunisien's goalkeeper brilliantly saved it.