Espérance Sportive de Tunis suffered a fresh setback in its clash with the Libyan club Al-Swehly. Opponents this Sunday in Misrata, as part of the first leg of the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League, a tie to reach the group stage, the Blood and Gold were defeated 1-0. Their captain, Youcef Belaïli, was sent off in the final moments of the match for contesting the refereeing decisions.
The Algerian forward vehemently protested the Congolese referee Jean-Pierre Ngini, who had awarded a controversial penalty to the Libyan side in the 63rd minute. Al-Sweihli converted this opportunity to score the only goal of the match and take the lead ahead of the return leg.
Before the players left the pitch, the referee brandished a red card against Belaïli. This sending-off will deprive Espérance of one of its key players for the return match, scheduled for next Saturday at the Hammadi-Agrebi Stadium in Radès.
The Congolese referee had already cautioned the Espérance captain with a yellow card during the first half. He then issued a second warning after the final whistle, due to his protests, resulting in his expulsion.
As a result, Youcef Belaïli will be suspended for the return match in Radès, in accordance with the one-match suspension sanction.
