Sfaxiens Find Stability and Rise to the Top
The Sfaxiens, after a long period of inconsistent results and performances, have finally found a stable and coherent playing system that has propelled them to the top of the table.
Recent Successes
Following their victory against OB, the CSS team chained another win against ASM, earning six points in two matches and jumping to fourth place. With a better goal difference (+8) and 17 goals scored against 9 conceded, the team's prospects are looking up. Even the most optimistic fans had not predicted such a rapid rise in the rankings after a disappointing start to the season.
Coach Mohamed Kouki's Relief
Coach Mohamed Kouki had been under pressure due to the team's poor results and unconvincing performances, but he has been saved by this late surge. The three points earned against Béja's Cigognes were a huge relief, and the subsequent victory against Marsois has reassured him. The vote of confidence from the Mahdi Frikha's management committee, despite calls for his departure, has been well-deserved. However, Kouki knows that this is only one battle won, and now that the team has reached the top four, they cannot afford to slip back into the comfort zone and risk falling behind.
Defensive Solidity: The Key to Success
Mohamed Kouki has finally convinced himself and the fans, including his critics, that the team's DNA of open and spectacular play does not suit the current squad. The team lacks players with exceptional talent who can dominate games with their individual technical skills. Instead, they must adopt a more realistic and less spectacular approach, prioritizing results over style. This system must be built on a solid defensive foundation, with a reliable goalkeeper like Dahmen and a three-defender formation, which has proven effective with the current Mondeko-Habchia-Baccar lineup.
Benefits of the Three-Defender Formation
The three-defender formation liberates the two full-backs from defensive duties, allowing them to focus on attacking and supporting the team's offense. This setup suits Ali Mâaloul, who can now concentrate on providing assists and crosses into the box, creating scoring opportunities. With a strong central defense, the team can also opt for a single defensive midfielder, with Hasamadou Ouédraogo capable of handling this role. This, in turn, frees up two creative and technically skilled midfielders, Mohamed Trabelsi and Travis Mutyaba, to focus on pushing forward, pressing the opponent, and creating scoring chances.
Belwafi: The Rising Star
The team's playing system, based on defensive solidity and midfield creativity, lacks a sharp attacking edge. With Omar Ben Ali injured and Emmanuel Ogbole not performing at his best, Iyed Belwafi has emerged as a savior. Scoring crucial goals against Béja and ASM, Belwafi has compensated for the team's attacking deficiencies. To perfect their playing system, the team must focus on signing a good right-winger to balance the left side, where Belwafi has been impressive, and a clinical finisher to address the team's lack of efficiency in front of goal.
