Despite Constant Player Departures, Stadistes Rely on Fan Support and Determination to Upset EST
The Press — Comparing the current Stade squad to the one from last season, a significant gap is evident. From a top contender that finished the first half of the season in first place, the Stade has gradually transformed into an underdog that continues to lose players. The list of departures is lengthy, and the team's profile has changed dramatically. Recently, Khalil Ayari and Adem Arous, two confirmed talents and pure Stade products, have left for other teams. Not to mention the departure of Nacef Atoui, who failed to make an impact at Bardo. Will the new arrivals make up for the departed players? On paper, it's unlikely. Many talented players have left, while their replacements lack the same level of skill. Is this Stade team equipped to surprise a complete EST team this afternoon? For Chokri Khatoui, it's not about the names, but rather the attitude and application that matter. The Stade coach is in a tough spot, being asked to deliver results while the team is constantly being depleted of quality players. In such a short time, Khatoui cannot build a homogeneous and effective team with so many changes to the squad. However, the match against EST will be special. The Stadistes seek revenge against an opponent that defeated them last season at Bardo, in the super cup twice, and in the cup final, with the added motivation of controversy surrounding the refereeing in at least two of those lost matches.
Return of Sahraoui and Farhati
Khatoui will need to find players capable of creating scoring opportunities and exploiting weaknesses in the absence of Ayari, a key player in the team's offense. He will have the return of goalkeeper Farhati from national team duty, as well as Sahraoui, the leader of the defense. Sahraoui will be paired with Skander Sghaïer, who will need to fill the void left by Adem Arous. Smâali is expected to start in midfield alongside Touré and Amath Ndaw (or Thiam). They will have a tough task in blocking the maneuvers of Blaili and the EST's midfield. The presence of Jlassi is also anticipated, as he has regained his physical form. Otherwise, he will make his return to the game in progress, as in previous matches. Ouerghemmi, Habboubi, Khemissi, Iffia, and Guezmir are competing for two spots in Khatoui's starting lineup in a high-risk match. A draw would not be a bad outcome, considering the current state of the team.
