“He’s too brilliant for us to handle” “He made us lose focus” – ES Tunis coach feels sad after what Chelsea star did in 3-0 defeat to Chelsea
Esperance head coach Maher Kanzari has conceded that the first half decided their game against Chelsea after they suffered a 3-0 defeat to exit the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
The North African side went into their last Group D fixture with a chance to qualify for the knockout stage but first half goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, and Liam Delap, coupled with a blistering strike from winger Tyrique George just before the final whistle, denied them the ticket as the Premier League club qualified instead.
Reflecting on the game, the 52-year-old Tunisian coach blamed the defeat on the first half goals adding that nothing important happened in the second half.
He believes Delap sensational goal makes them lose focus in the match .
“Football is played for 90 minutes, including stoppage time. We played the first 45 minutes but forgot about the stoppage time. We lost focus when Delap score his great goal during stoppage time of the first half, during the free-kick,” Kanzari told FIFA.com.
“Before that, we were very good on the counter-attack and created danger near their goal. Yes, they had chances too because of the difference in quality, of course, but we were excellent tactically. After the first goal from Delap, the second came quickly also because of a lack of focus. The first half decided the match. Nothing important happened in the second half.”
“Good luck to Chelsea in their next round of the tournament” He added.
With CR Flamengo having already won Group D to advance, the Blues next face Group C winners SL Benfica in Charlotte on 28 June, after the Portuguese side secured top spot with a 1-0 victory against FC Bayern München.