Esperance Sportive de Tunis clinched their fifth successive league title with a 2-1 victory over US Monatir on Tuesday night.

It is Esperance's 17th triumph since the Tunisian league was founded in 1919.

The feat also guarantees the team a place in the African Champions League in 2003.

The club had virtually secured the title by beating arch-rivals Etoile du Sahel 3-2 last weekend, but the Monatir result made victory sure.

The win was achieved without four internationals, including charismatic goalkeeper and captain Chokri El Oauer and strikers Mourad Melki and Skanda Souayah.

Champions League failure

But a brace from Mouine Chaabani in the 66th and 74th minutes triggered off a victory party, which could not be dampened by Monastir's scoring a consolation penalty.

Esperance have finished with 43 points from 21 games, having won twelve, drawn seven and lost only twice.

Etoile du Sahel finished second with 39 points.

Esperance are yet to convert their domestic achievements into Champions League success.

Twice losers in the African Champions League finals of 1999 and 2000, Al Ahly of Egypt knocked them out at the semi-finals stage last year.

The Tunisian league formally ends on 1 May to enable the national team begin early preparation for the World Cup.