Liam Delap netted his first Chelsea goal as the Blues sealed a 3-0 win over ES Tunis to reach the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup, while only South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns remain in contention from Africa’s four representatives.
The 22-year-old striker, signed from Ipswich Town for £30 million earlier this month, struck just before the break, slotting home calmly after Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a thumping header from Enzo Fernandez’s delivery.
Substitute Tyrique George added a third in stoppage time as Chelsea wrapped up a professional display in front of over 32,000 fans at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Delap celebrating his goal for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Chelsea’s win sees them advance as runners-up in Group D behind Brazil’s Flamengo, setting up a last-16 encounter with Portuguese side SL Benfica on Saturday.
African Setback
The loss ends the campaign for ES Tunis, who finish the group stage with just three points from three matches, joining Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca as African clubs eliminated from the competition.
Now, all hopes rest on Mamelodi Sundowns, who face a must-win encounter against Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense at 8 p.m. tonight. Victory is essential for the South Africans to seal a place in the knockout rounds and keep the continent’s flag flying in the tournament.
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The loss to Chelsea ends ES Tunis’ hopes, despite needing a win to leapfrog the Premier League giants. They failed to register a single shot on target and managed just three efforts in total compared to Chelsea’s 16.
Chelsea Cruise Amid Heatwave
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca rotated heavily, resting key names like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and top scorer Pedro Neto amid soaring humidity and temperatures still pushing 36°C.
His side nevertheless dominated possession, enjoying 74% of the ball and controlling the tempo against their North African opponents, who looked increasingly toothless as the match progressed.
Delap celebrating his goal for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Delap’s performance will please Maresca, with the young striker showing confidence and composure to open his Chelsea account.
Manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes in response to sweltering conditions in Philadelphia, where humidity drove temperatures up to a stifling 36°C at the 9 p.m. kickoff.
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Despite the rotation, Chelsea dominated possession (74%) and allowed ES Tunis just three shots, none on target. Rested stars Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Pedro Neto watched on as the Blues eased into the next round.
Qualified teams:
Palmeiras (1st, Group A)
Inter Miami (2nd, Group A)
PSG (1st, Group B)
Botafogo (2nd, Group B)
SL Benfica (1st, Group C)
Bayern Munich (2nd, Group C)
Flamengo (1st, Group D)
Chelsea (2nd, Group D)
The remaining slots hinge on tonight’s final fixtures, including Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense, in what promises to be a dramatic finish to the group phase.
