Esperance Sportive de Tunis opened their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 defeat to Brazilian giants Flamengo at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
In a rather subdued display with Esperance primiraly looking to play on the counter, they offered little to none goal scoring opportunities in the opening half as Rodrigo Rodrigues toiled up top with little services.
Uruguay and Flamengo playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta eventually opened the scoring after 18 minutes and the South Americans took full control with Jorginho running the midfield on his debut.
Maher Kanzari brought Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana on at the break but he was unable to stem the tide as they struggled to maintain possession for longer spells.
Luiz Araújo then took advantage of their numeruous final third entries with a deft finish after 70 minutes to hand Felipe Luis’ side the perfect start to the tournament as they moved top over Chelsea, who beat Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC by the same score.
