Tunisia eliminated from club world cup after a 3-0 defeat

Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis exited the FIFA Club World Cup on June 24th following a 3–0 defeat to Chelsea in Philadelphia, according to TRT Global.

Despite an organized first-half performance, Esperance were undone by two quick goals in stoppage time, confirming their third-place finish in Group D behind Chelsea and Flamengo.

Speaking after the match at Lincoln Financial Field, head coach Tarek Thabet Al-Kanzari attributed the loss to lapses in concentration during critical moments, according to the Confederation of African Football.

“We played the first 45 minutes very well, but we forgot about stoppage time,” Kanzari said. “The free-kick goal just before the break changed everything, and the second goal followed quickly because our focus dropped again. That decided the game.”

Despite the result, Kanzari emphasized the value of the experience for his squad.

“Our experience in the tournament was very beneficial. That was our goal from the beginning – to gain something meaningful from this opportunity. It’s true we hoped to beat Chelsea and go through, but football has its realities. The quality difference matters,” he said.

Esperance had entered the Club World Cup seeking to test themselves against international opposition. Kanzari noted that, while the result was disappointing, the exposure to elite-level football could help develop players for both domestic and continental competition.

He said: “Tactically, we were solid…but at this level, mistakes are punished. That’s why playing against these big teams is so important for us.”

With the loss, Esperance close their Club World Cup campaign with three points, following an earlier 2–1 win over Auckland City. Chelsea advance to face Benfica in the round of 16 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Playing against world-class opposition gives our players confidence,” Kanzari said. “We’ve taken a step forward. Now we go home and continue building.”

TRT Global, CAF Online