Stade Tunisien Falls Short Despite Victory Over OC Safi
The Stade Tunisien faced off against OC Safi in the second preliminary round of the CAF Cup, putting up a good fight, dominating, and ultimately winning, but unfortunately, not qualifying for the next round.
A Tactical Analysis
Fans of technical analysis of the various Stade Tunisien lineups proposed by coach Chokri Khatoui since the start of the season must have been keenly focused on the starting eleven that took on OC Safi. Even the substitutes brought in during the game surprised many. Not because the technical staff's approach and the orientation they advocated for did not align with the imperative of winning, but because the Stade Tunisien coach seemed to want to wrap up the game too early, while the Moroccan opponent was waiting for the perfect moment to strike and throw a spanner in the works.
A Change in Tactics
Last Saturday, in defense, Chokri Khatoui opted for his preferred quartet with Khalfa, Sahraoui, Sghaier, and Sayhi. In midfield, he started with only one defensive midfielder, Ouerghemmi, alongside Saâfi (right winger) and Haboubi (striker). This meant that two players accustomed to occupying key positions in the attack were playing out of their usual roles. The coach later changed his approach during the game, bringing in two midfielders, Camara and Smaâli, to add more depth to the Stade Tunisien's game. However, the team still lacked precision in attack, with Ndiaye hitting the post twice, while attempts by Haboubi and Aifia were unsuccessful.
Intensity Without Lucidity
Focusing on the Stade Tunisien's tactical trend and player selection, after reviewing the players in the first two lines, the intentions in attack were clear. On Saturday, Khatoui started with attackers in midfield and up front, including Aifia, Ndiaye, and Khemissi. With Saâfi and Haboubi, he also started with left winger Aifia, another left winger Khemissi, and striker Ndiaye. This meant that the number of attacking players in the starting lineup was five. Even during the game, in the chapter of substitutions, he also brought in Moncef Gharbi (another left winger) and the returning Godswill (striker).
A Disappointing Outcome
Against OC Safi, who were heavily favored by the refereeing in the first leg, the Stade Tunisien, under Chokri Khatoui, certainly created all the chances they could by playing with a maximum number of attackers. However, in football, success is never guaranteed, and uncertainty often looms. Ndiaye, who saw his attempt hit the post in the final minutes, and the minute that followed, Anass Eddaou took advantage of a defensive lapse to score a goal worth its weight in gold.
A Valiant Effort
Today, we cannot blame the Stade Tunisien players, who believed in their chances until the end. Honor is certainly saved with Skander Sghaier's goal in added time, but it was too late to aspire to a place in the group stage. The journey has come to an end, and everyone must disembark.
