Only Victory is Beautiful, but Does the Current ESS Have the Means to Achieve it?
The Press — The history of confrontations between Soliman and Etoile du Sahel often gives an idea of the outcome of the match.
On the 11 matches recorded since 2019, Etoile du Sahel has a clear dominance. They have won 7 matches, compared to only 2 victories for ASS.
The victories of Etoile du Sahel are often with a margin of 2 or 3 goals (2-0, 3-0). Those of Soliman are more narrow (2-1). Etoile du Sahel has won 2 of the last 3 confrontations (2-0 on February 13, 2025, 1-2 on January 3, 2024, and a tie 0-0 between the two matches). The last victory of Soliman dates back to December 18, 2020.
Considering recent trends, Etoile du Sahel is the potential favorite for the upcoming confrontation. Mohamed Ali Nefkha will have to assume the incoming formation that is supposed to bring back 3 precious points from Cap Bon. The enigma remains, knowing that the match against Ahli Wad Madani in the CAF Cup has left its mark on the team's mind and legs... Except for goalkeeper Sabri Ben Hassen, or experienced defensive players like Ghedamsi or Naouali, no player is a guaranteed starter at Etoile. This is unsettling at this stage of the season. Behind the scenes, ESS continues to clean house in order to rebound a season that is already complicated after 6 games. The club is currently in a symptomatic 14th place, which is not in line with its national standing.
In terms of choices, Nefkha and his staff should invest in experienced players like Ben Hassine, Ghedamssi, Naouali, Ben Choug, or Laouani. Probably, and to distinguish himself from his predecessor, Nefkha will start Gleib, a player who has a good reading of the game and deserves a chance, just like Algerian Maazouz.
Saber Ben Fredj at the Helm
The Etoile du Sahel board of directors has decided to appoint Saber Ben Fredj as the head of the senior football team. This appointment follows the departure for personal reasons of Montassar Ammar, who held the same position.
He will have the daunting task of sorting through the overcrowded squad, to keep only the most opportune elements. A complicated mission, but not difficult, provided he is given the necessary time.
