Following the elimination of Al Ahly and Wydad, Tunisia’s Espérance have become the latest African side to exit the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea FC on Wednesday morning, Central African Time.
Espérance began their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Brazil’s Flamengo, but reignited their hopes with a narrow 1-0 win over Los Angeles FC in their second Group D match.
Going into their final group stage match, they needed a win to advance to the Round of 16 against a Chelsea side that was also in a must-win situation, having lost 3-1 to Flamengo. A draw, however, would have been enough for the Blues to go through.
Chelsea dominated the match and secured victory through goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, new signing Liam Delap, and Tyrique George, who added the finishing touch.
“Football is played for 90 minutes, including wasted time. We played the first 45 minutes but forgot about the wasted time. We lost focus during the wasted time of the first half, during the free-kick. Before that, we were very good on the counter-attack and created danger near their goal,” said Espérance head coach Maher Kanzari after the match.
He continued, “Yes, they had chances too because of the difference in quality, of course, but we were excellent tactically. After the first goal, the second came quickly also because of a lack of focus. The first half decided the match. Nothing important happened in the second half.”
Chelsea finished the group stage with 6 points, placing second behind Flamengo, who topped the group with 7 points after their 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC.
The Enzo Maresca-coached side will now face Benfica in the Round of 16, while Flamengo is set to clash with Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns remain Africa’s last hope at the tournament. The South African champions face Fluminense tonight at 9 PM CAT in a must-win encounter.
They will be coming from a 4-3 defeat to Dortmund following their 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD in their opening match in Group F.
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