PSG power past Esperance to reach Al Kass Cup final

Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the final of the Al Kass Cup under-17football tournament after overcoming a stern examination set byEsperance de Tunis, and prevailing by 4-2.Going into this game PSG knew that — at the very least — they would needto do something that no opponent of Esperance had managed up to now:score a goal against the wily Tunisians, the only team yet to concede inthe tournament.But on 15 minutes, Saint-Germain went in front after a corner from theright was not dealt with and, in the ensuing melee, captain Loic Mbe Sohturned the ball in from close range.Astonishingly, the lead was doubled within a minute, after a rapid movedown the PSG left. Tunis keeper Fares Jebali was quickly off his line tosnuff out the danger, but the ball escaped his grasp and was cleareddirectly into the path of the onrushing Arthur Zagre, who needed nosecond invitation to rifle home.  And, on 28 minutes, Esperance werethree down. PSG’s Tanguy Coulibaly supplied a low, teasing cross thatforward Alexandre Fressange met with a first time shot into the nearcorner.Tunis looked dead and buried, only to be handed an improbable lifelinefive minutes later. PSG keeper Yanis Saidani received a backpass underno pressure, but his attempted clearance was cut out by Zied Berrima onthe right of the area. He squared for captain Mobtassar Triki to passinto an open goal, sparking scenes of delirium on the terraces.It was now PSG’s turn to feel the pressure as Espérance mounted a seriesof attacks. The Tunisians’ physical approach occasionally strayedbeyond fair play and, on 41 minutes, midfield hardman Wael Dhouibi’swild lunge at Soh earned a well-deserved yellow card, marking the finalsignificant act of a breathtaking first half.There was no let up as the second period got underway, and PSGre-established their three-goal cushion with the first attack of thehalf.Adil Aouchiche set off an a marauding run from his own half, dancingpast several challenges and spraying the ball out left to RubenProvidence, before advancing into the area and getting on the end of alow cross to finish from six yards out. It was a goal worthy of thegrandest stages. With the game approaching the hour mark, the shadowslengthened on Aspire Pitch 5 as the sun began to set behind the mainstand. And, with it, Esperance’s hopes of making the final began torecede. PSG were now in total command, refusing to be put out of theirstride by the continual chanting and singing of the Tunis fans, whoremained in high spirits despite their team’s travails.And then, implausibly, Tunis were once again back in the game on 68minutes. There seemed to be little danger as PSG centre back Sohattempted to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick on the right, untilhis pocket was picked by the tenacious Farouk Mimouni, who cut back fromthe byline before firing low into the far corner.Tunis poured forward in numbers in search of a third goal that would setup a nailbiting finale, but there was to be no further reward for theirpersistence, as PSG held out for a merited victory. Having won the inaugural tournament in 2012, and again triumphed in2015, the young Parisians are chasing a unique hat-trick. After thisaccomplished performance, few would rule out their chances.