Precise and Opportunistic, Club Africain Outsmarts Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise
The Club Africain has temporarily taken the lead in Ligue 1 after defeating Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise, who only had their bravery to offer in opposition.
A Tale of Two Clubs with Divergent Ambitions
Yesterday, two clubs with diametrically opposed ambitions clashed at the Hamda Laouani stadium in Kairouan. The Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise, who had suffered four consecutive defeats after two initial successes, hosted the Club Africain, who were playing to maintain their position at the top of the table, especially after their recent victory against the USM in Radès.
A High-Stakes Match
The stage was set for an intense match, with the Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise seeking to break their losing streak and the Club Africain aiming to temporarily take the lead in the standings. Notably, the Club Africain's attacker, Khadhraoui, was absent due to suspension, while the axial player, Ali Youssef, was forced to withdraw due to injury and was replaced by Bouabid.
A Match that Started with a Bang
The match began with a high level of intensity from both sides, with the locals creating the first scoring opportunity through Zineddine Kada, who fell at the entrance of the Club Africain's penalty area. However, the referee deemed the contact non-penalizing. In the 5th minute, the Club Africain launched a counterattack, and following a combination between Ait Malek and Mesmari, Houssem Hssan Romdhane scored the opening goal.
A Pleasant Match with Two Engaged Teams
The match continued with a high level of engagement from both teams, each creating scoring opportunities. Fahd Mesmari was close to doubling the score, but the Libyan attacker hesitated in front of the goal. The Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise pushed forward, but the Club Africain's counterattacks proved to be a threat, as seen in Mesmari's solo run, which was stopped by the excellent goalkeeper Bjaoui.
The Club Africain Seals the Deal
In the 26th minute, the rhythm of the match slowed down, and the Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise lacked lucidity in front of the Club Africain's goal. The Libyan midfielder, Osama El Shrimi, delivered a precise pass to Ait Malek, but it did not yield a goal. The match ended with the Club Africain leading 1-0 at halftime.
A Deserved Victory for the Club Africain
After the break, the Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise pushed forward with more conviction, but the Club Africain played on the counterattack and doubled their lead through the newly introduced Philippe Kinzumbi in the 68th minute. Bilel Ait Malek then sealed the deal 15 minutes from the end of the match. Although the Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise did not deserve to lose by such a margin, the Club Africain's victory was well-deserved. Hamrouni scored a consolation goal for the Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise a minute later, but it was too little, too late. The defeat complicates things for the Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise.
