Espérance winger Mokwana hails team effort after Club World Cup lifeline
Published: Saturday, 21 June 2025
Esperance winger Elias Mokwana has hailed his side's collective response following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Los Angeles FC at the FIFA Club World Cup, a result that keeps the Tunisian giants in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages.
The South African forward was a lively presence throughout the Group D clash at GEODIS Park in Nashville and was quick to emphasise the importance of togetherness in bouncing back from their opening loss to Flamengo.
'We played as a team today, and we fixed the problems that we had for the last game,' Mokwana said after the match.
'We are grateful for the three points.'
Esperance struggled for rhythm in their first match against the Brazilian champions, falling 2-0.
But against LAFC, they showed greater organisation, discipline, and attacking purpose.
Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Youcef Belaili pounced on a loose ball in the box and rifled a low shot past Hugo Lloris to seal the win.
The result eliminated LAFC from the competition while moving Esperance level on points with Chelsea, setting up a decisive final group game in Philadelphia.
Mokwana's contributions were key in stretching LAFC's defence and helping Esperance gain the upper hand in wide areas—a crucial improvement from the previous match.
'We knew we had to come together, fight for each other and for our fans,' he added.
'Today we showed the kind of spirit it takes to win on this stage.'
Esperance now face Chelsea on Tuesday in a must-win encounter.
A victory would see them advance to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in the club's history.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Mamelodi Sundowns
The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude's footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund. Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the "south" had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears. Lucas Ribeiro's fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel. However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equaliser on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home. Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy. Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season. Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund's third just before the break. Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home. His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023. "Hey Jobe," sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic "Hey Jude" which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham. Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross. Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up. Rayners, who netted Sundowns' winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso's side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory. Later Saturday in the other Group F clash Fluminense take on Ulsan at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
CAF
10 hours ago
- CAF
Espérance winger Mokwana hails team effort after Club World Cup lifeline
Published: Saturday, 21 June 2025 Esperance winger Elias Mokwana has hailed his side's collective response following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Los Angeles FC at the FIFA Club World Cup, a result that keeps the Tunisian giants in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages. The South African forward was a lively presence throughout the Group D clash at GEODIS Park in Nashville and was quick to emphasise the importance of togetherness in bouncing back from their opening loss to Flamengo. 'We played as a team today, and we fixed the problems that we had for the last game,' Mokwana said after the match. 'We are grateful for the three points.' Esperance struggled for rhythm in their first match against the Brazilian champions, falling 2-0. But against LAFC, they showed greater organisation, discipline, and attacking purpose. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Youcef Belaili pounced on a loose ball in the box and rifled a low shot past Hugo Lloris to seal the win. The result eliminated LAFC from the competition while moving Esperance level on points with Chelsea, setting up a decisive final group game in Philadelphia. Mokwana's contributions were key in stretching LAFC's defence and helping Esperance gain the upper hand in wide areas—a crucial improvement from the previous match. 'We knew we had to come together, fight for each other and for our fans,' he added. 'Today we showed the kind of spirit it takes to win on this stage.' Esperance now face Chelsea on Tuesday in a must-win encounter. A victory would see them advance to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in the club's history.
Al-Ahram Weekly
14 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Gave us the feeling that we can keep playing: Esperance coach about LAFC World Cup win
LAFC had one final chance to tie it in the 99th minute on Dénis Bouanaga's right-footed shot off a penalty kick just in front, but goalkeeper Béchir Ben Säid smothered it. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were in the crowd of 13,651 at 30,000-seat GEODIS Park on a steamy late afternoon. Key moment After a back-and-forth pace, Belaili came through with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner through goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' legs. Takeaways Esperance will finish the round Tuesday night against Chelsea, with second place in Group D and a spot in the round of 16 on the line. Not only was LAFC eliminated, it has been shot out in both of its matches. LAFC had two goals wiped out by offsides in the first half. What they said 'Overall, I didn't think we played well enough tonight to win,' LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said. 'Gave us the feeling that we can keep playing,' said Esperance coach Maher Kanzari. Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
