Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu played the full 90 minutes as Esperance Sportive de Tunis secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Los Angeles FC in their Group D match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The match took place at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 21, 2025.
Both teams had been seeking their first points in the tournament after losing their opening games. Los Angeles FC had two goals disallowed for offside in the first half, while Esperance had a penalty reversed following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
In the 70th minute, Algerian international Youcef Belaïli scored the only goal of the match, collecting a pass on the edge of the box and finishing smartly. Despite a late penalty opportunity for LAFC in stoppage time, Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said denied Denis Bouanga’s effort, securing the win for the Tunisian side.
This victory puts Esperance back in contention in Group D, while LAFC faces an uphill battle to advance to the knockout stages. Esperance will next face Chelsea, while LAFC will play against Flamengo.
Editorial
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Onuche Ogbelu’s performance in Esperance’s 1–0 win over Los Angeles FC underscores his growing influence on the international stage. Having featured prominently for the Nigerian U-20 team, Ogbelu’s transition to the senior squad and subsequent move to Esperance has been marked by consistent development. His 90-minute display against LAFC highlighted his resilience and tactical awareness, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
For Esperance, this victory is more than just a three-point gain; it’s a testament to their ability to navigate high-pressure situations. The team’s composure, especially in the face of VAR decisions and a late penalty threat, reflects a maturity that bodes well for their progression in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Esperance’s upcoming match against Chelsea will be a formidable challenge. However, with players like Ogbelu stepping up, they have the potential to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Did You Know?
- Onuche Ogbelu began his professional career at Nasarawa United before joining Esperance in September 2023.
- Esperance Sportive de Tunis has won the CAF Champions League twice, in 1994 and 2011.
- The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features an expanded 32-team format, with matches held across 12 cities in the United States.
- Despite the tournament’s expansion, some matches have experienced low attendance, with stadiums averaging 43% capacity.
- The winner of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will receive a record $125 million in prize money.
