Club Africain Dominates USBG with a Convincing Victory
La Presse — After the setback in Métlaoui, Club Africain had to bounce back strongly against USBG. Returning to their home turf in Radès, where they had struggled against CSS and ESZ, coach Faouzi Benzarti knew that another misstep in front of their fans would be difficult to swallow. On the other hand, coach Karim Delhoum opted for a 5-3-2 formation, aiming to contain Club Africain while also looking to launch quick counterattacks.
Notably, before delving into the match details, Faouzi Benzarti, a proponent of the classic 4-3-3 formation, started Mouhib Chamekh and Sadok Mahmoud from the beginning, as well as Saidou Khan, who replaced the suspended Charfeddine Aoun.
- In the 2nd minute, Kinzumbi could have opened the scoring following a precise cross from Sadok Mahmoud.
- In the 11th minute, Club Africain threatened again with Chawat's header from a cross by the Congolese attacker Kinzumbi.
- The first turning point of the match came in the 13th minute: Khadhraoui broke through and passed back to Saidou Khan in the box, with the ball ricocheting off the last defender's hand. The resulting penalty was converted by Firas Chawat, who has scored 60% of Club Africain's goals so far, marking his 5th goal of the season.
The match resumed with Club Africain still in control, particularly with Zemzemi's free kick that grazed the post.
- In the 26th minute, Khadhraoui set the tone on his flank, made a run, and infiltrated the defense, but his shot was not accurate. Until then, USBG had not really existed, but around the 30th minute, a counterattack launched by Yaken on the left flank, followed by a pass back, created a collision in the box, an action that required VAR validation to continue the game.
- In the 43rd minute, Kinzumbi, Mahmoud, and Khadhraoui applied pressure, but the final touch was missing to conclude. At halftime, Club Africain had a well-deserved advantage, although their defense caused some concerns, and there were things to be said and discussed about Faouzi Benzarti's advanced defense strategy.
One-Way Traffic
After the break, Club Africain continued to dominate, manage the game, and attempt to put it beyond doubt. USBG, in turn, tried to push up the field, but without the necessary ingredients.
- Around the hour mark, Club Africain scored again and doubled their lead through the inevitable Chawat, following a common error by Amri and Abcha.
- In the 78th minute, Khadhraoui "hit the woodwork" after a rush by Bilel Ait Malek. The match was now one-way traffic, with a notable run by Shili that could have paid off. The game ended with a shot from Mimouni, but Mouhib Chamekh was vigilant. That's where it ended.
