A High-Risk Match for CSS, Struggling to Find Its Rhythm
The CSS team is facing a tough challenge as they take on a better-equipped CA team, and their coach, Mohamed Kouki, is expressing concerns.
Press Release
Coach Mohamed Kouki would have preferred not to face the Club Africain so early in the season, given the current issues with his team's lineup. His statements before the match confirm his apprehensions.
When discussing the absent players for this match (Hamza Mathlouthi and Ali Mâaloul, who are not yet operational, and Mhadhebi, Baccar, and Absi, who have contracted minor injuries and have not fully recovered), he wanted to show that he does not have all the cards in his hand to negotiate this important first turn of a long and grueling journey.
This apprehension in the Sfaxiens' camp has also been reflected in their strong protests to the DNA regarding the appointment of referee Sadok Selmi and VAR referee Naim Hosni, as if to alleviate the heavy pressure that already weighs on this match with the "Rouge et Blanc" before it even begins. Is this fear of a duel with potentially severe repercussions for the Sfaxiens reasonable? While it may seem understandable, it is somewhat exaggerated.
The Foreign Players: A Real Headache
In reality, Mohamed Kouki has other concerns on his mind and seems to be facing a real dilemma regarding the four foreign players to include in the starting lineup. His margin of maneuver appears very narrow, making it a real headache. If he follows his defensive instincts to better secure his defense, three of the four foreigners are essential in the safety zone: central defender Kévin Mondeka and midfielders Ammar Tayfour and Hasamadou Ouédraogo.
In this scenario, he would only have one wildcard left among the six foreigners registered for the match to strengthen and flesh out his offensive compartment. Travis Mutyaba, Willy Onana, and Emmanuel Ogbole will compete for a starting spot in the attack line, making it difficult for Mohamed Kouki to arbitrate and make a decision between them.
His only alternative is to draw from the pool of Tunisian players. If he opts for the 3-5-2 formation, he will only have the duo Belwafi-Ben Ali as attacking options, which would be insufficient for a good offensive animation.
Unless he sacrifices Firas Sekkouhi in midfield, which is unlikely and unwise for a midfield that needs to be well-stocked and balanced. These constraints will likely force Mohamed Kouki to observe a long period of observation, engage in a game of cat and mouse with Faouzi Benzarti, before setting the tone for the match. This classico is quite premature for a technician in turmoil, who is still searching for his ideal starting lineup.
