CSS Survives a Thrilling Match Against SG to Reach the Semifinals
The Sfaxians had a tough time before securing a well-deserved qualification.
The Press — In football, nothing is ever won in advance, and every match must be taken seriously. Especially in a cup match against a team from a lower division, which is supposed to be an easy win without maximum energy and obstinacy to deploy to gain the upper hand.
The CSS experienced this against SG, which made their life difficult and made them suffer greatly before conceding the qualifying goal in the first extra period. Indeed, 90 minutes of play were not enough to break the quarterfinal match against the Gabesians, who did not dose their efforts. We asked ourselves about the CSS's ability to deliver a full match on all fronts without its foreign players, who constitute the backbone of the team and the keys to its system. The immense difficulties experienced in securing a ticket to the semifinals despite the unwavering and relentless support of their public and the use of extra time confirmed that the absence of foreign players was heavy and burdensome.
Fortunately, for the semifinal against ESZ at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium, the three pillars of the team, Kevin Mondeko, Hasamadou Ouedraogo, and Travis Mutyaba, will be present to help the team regain the balance and fluidity in the game that were cruelly lacking against SG.
Derbali, the Savior
If coach Mohamed Kouki spoke of three finals to win to win the cup, he can infinitely thank his defender Rayan Derbali for being the main architect of success in this quarterfinal against the Gabesians. This right-back, whom Kouki has always kept in his starting lineup by converting him into a center-back in his preferred 3-5-2 system, opened the way to victory against SG with his goal scored six minutes after the start of the first extra period. Although the VAR room annulled his opening goal, Rayan Derbali continued to fight hard on the front of the attack to score another valid goal. "It wasn't easy, but we managed to do it. I'm thrilled to have been able to meet the total trust placed in me by my coach, who gave me carte blanche to play freely and without too strict instructions in the second half of the field. A decisive goal against JS and another goal at the right moment against SG can only be a source of great satisfaction and motivation for me to work harder," Rayan Derbali declared in recognition of his coach, who has always counted on him to be the danger that comes from the back.
Coach Mohamed Kouki can also praise the merit of another defender, Hamza Mathlouthi, who managed to break the Gabesian barrier and score the first goal of deliverance six minutes after a first half where pressure, tension, and suffering were too strong. With three defenders, Maaloul, Mathlouthi, and Derbali, who have the gift of projecting themselves into attack and being present and effective in the opponent's box, Mohamed Kouki has solutions and other arms and arguments to compensate for the shortcomings in his attacking department. Against ESZ in the semifinals, it will be even more complicated and difficult for Kouki.
