Facing Étoile Sportive de Métlaoui – A Direct Rival Eyeing 6th Place, Club Africain Must Act While Guarding Its Rear
La Presse – After a smart performance from ES Métlaoui against the league leaders, Club Africain (CA) knows exactly what to expect when confronting a side that can impose a false rhythm before accelerating and launching a quick attack.
Match Preview
Early this afternoon, Faouzi Benzarti’s squad will host the eleven of Imed Ben Younès. In a title‑race context—although the season is not yet at its climax—CA understands that every match now feels like a final.
- Goal: Secure three points in the next nine‑match stretch to keep the chase for the championship alive.
- Strategy: Stay focused on the direct duel, ignore the broader title race for the moment, and exploit any dip in form from the “blood‑and‑gold” leaders.
To underline its national ambitions, the “dolphin” club must go straight for the win when it receives Étoile Sportive de Métlaoui.
Why CA Is Poised to Dream Bigger
- Potential: Still improvable but promising.
- Coach: An experienced tactician in Faouzi Benzarti.
- Supporters: A passionate fanbase that can lift the team.
Even in Tunisia’s Ligue 1, nothing is guaranteed, but the painful end to last season should serve as a wake‑up call: the outcome is uncertain, and Benzarti’s men must have an insatiable desire to claim the decisive hand.
Tactical Outlook & Alternatives
Primary Game Plan
The Clubistes are in pursuit mode today, concentrating on the upcoming clash at Radès. CA must raise its commitment level, apply strict tactical discipline, and aim to outplay ES Métlaoui. Failure to do so could allow the leaders to maintain their edge.
- Available squad: Almost the entire roster, except Sadok Mahmoud, who will return soon.
- Returning players: Left‑back Oussema Shili and left‑winger Aymen Harzi, each serving a one‑match suspension.
Expected Starting XI (mirroring the line‑up against JSO)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Mouhib Chamekh |
| Left‑back | Houssem Ben Ali |
| Right‑back | Ghaïth Zaâlouni |
| Centre‑backs | Hamza Ben Abda & Taoufik Chrifi |
| Midfield (hybrid) | Moataz Zemzemi, Saidou Khan, Aymen Harzi (left‑midfield percussion role) |
| Left‑wing | Hamza Khadhraoui |
| Right‑wing | Philippe Kinzumbi |
| Striker | Firas Chawat |
Alternative Options
The technical staff also has a wealth of alternatives:
- Left‑back: Oussema Shili
- Centre‑back: Yassine Bouabid
- Defensive midfielders: Oussema Chrimi, Ghaïth Sghaïer
- Attacking midfield: Alain Kanté
- Left‑midfield (defensive): Bilel Ait Malek
- Right‑wing: Bassem Srarfi
- Left‑wing: Oussema Bouguerra
- Centre‑forward: Sadok Kadida
📺 Where to Watch Live: Club Africain vs. ES Métlaoui?
Stay tuned for a thrilling encounter that could reshape the top‑six battle in Tunisian football.
