Etoile Sportive du Sahel's Season Takes Off with Hard-Fought Qualification
The Press — Mohamed Ali Nafkha's players have fulfilled their part of the contract in the preliminary round of the Confederation Cup. Against Ahli Wad Madani, after a strong start with an early goal from the inevitable Anan, ESS was only one goal ahead at halftime and had not yet secured their qualification.
The relief came after a long moment of uncertainty. However, the team generally mastered the game, with few scares behind them thanks to the expertise of Sabri Ben Hassen, who reassured the entire defense. This was the second consecutive match without conceding a goal for the star goalkeeper. As a result, Hnid and Ghedamsi, provider and scorer, changed the game's dynamics.
One can regret that the team did not kill the game at halftime with the missed penalty by Libyan Glaïeb. And indeed, the series of missed penalties continues for three consecutive games. One of the notable points in the second half was the stoppage in play due to the red card received by Sudanese Yan Armando and the injury to Omar Bah, who was taken out on a stretcher to the ambulance. The stadium's lighting subsequently decreased in intensity without hindering the players and the referee from finishing the match.
What a scenario! A notable fact about Etoile in recent days is that the team has again benefited from the "double penalty" of a penalty and a red card, respectively in the first half and early in the second half. This numerical advantage should have been quickly exploited.
On a positive note, the strong mobilization of fans in the stands of the Olimpico is reassuring regarding the unwavering support of the starry supporters. An early goal, a missed penalty, and a thrilling finale. Etoile had to push hard to reach their goal. Indeed, when one knows that the 15 minutes of added time made us fear the scenario of a penalty shootout, one can only emphasize the salvation that occurred at the end. As a result, Ben Choug, already the origin of the second goal, managed to deliver his team and win the game in the final minutes.
After the match, Mohamed Ali Nafkha did not hide his joy following this scenario: "We knew that by scoring quickly, we would make our task easier, before managing the game. We got both the result and the performance because Etoile must play, not just to get the result. We still lack some things, and we know it very well, and there are things to correct. We will rectify the situation soon."
Regarding the next Kenyan opponent, Naïrobi United, in the second preliminary round, the coach says he is ready to face any opponent and that his players will do what is necessary to clear the hurdle. In the meantime, the team returns to the championship this week, with two big matches: hosting league leader Stade Tunisien and a perilous trip to face titleholder Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
