Disappointing Result for Étoile du Sahel
Apart from the unflattering result, a 2-1 defeat against Kawkab Athlétique Club de Marrakech, the average intensity of the game and the lack of motivation from some players observed in friendly matches are cause for concern. Étoile du Sahel is still searching for its form as it prepares to face USM on Saturday and with only a few days to go before its entry into the CAF Cup against Sudan's Al Ahly Wad Madani.
A Step Back for Étoile du Sahel
While Morocco often succeeds in holding its own against the best teams in the country, even in recent years in official competitions, Étoile du Sahel has fallen back into its old habits. It only took one poorly negotiated friendly match against KACM for doubt to creep back into the minds of players and supporters. There were some positives, but more negatives, inevitably culminating in a defeat.
Tops and Flops
During this test match against Marrakchi, some players held their own, while others seemed more subdued. Omar Bah, who scored the only Étoile goal, the equalizer at the start of the second half, and Naouali, who hit the post twice in the action leading to the goal, earned points, with an eye on the upcoming African double confrontation. Ghedamsi, who was caught off guard by the winning goal from Marrakchi in the final minutes, Alassane Diao, who was clumsy, and Aouani, who was off the mark, are struggling.
Notable Absences and Injuries
The Senegalese striker, Moussa Senghor, was the most notable absentee from the match due to a passport renewal issue. The match was marked by moments of tension, including the expulsion of Étoile du Sahel's coach, Lassâad Dridi, who contested the quality of the refereeing, and the injury sustained by captain Malek Baayou, who is uncertain to play against USM on Saturday. Maher Ben Sghaier also got injured and gave up his place to Guinean Omar Bah before the 30-minute mark.
Recruitment and Departures
Meanwhile, the recruitment cell has been active and has recruited a defensive midfielder to compensate for the defensive block's mistakes. Cédric Gbo may be the one to pay the price, as he is no longer in the group and has been asked to find a new club. However, Étoile du Sahel could have also brought back its former player in that position, Jacques Mbé, who is currently without a club. For now, the trio of Anan, Uche Goodlad, and Chouchane has not yet developed good automatisms and a well-oiled game, despite some promising signs seen in the win against ASG. The upheaval continues.
New Target
Debora Fernandes Mavembo, 25, with dual Angolan and Congolese nationality, who played last season with Tanzanian Simba SC, which chose not to retain him, and is a free agent, is expected to arrive in Sousse. To trim its squad, Étoile du Sahel is expected to officially announce the departure of two players. Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Auwal, who was recruited this summer, and young striker Salah Barhoumi will no longer wear the Étoile jersey. In fact, USM has announced the recruitment of the speedy Barhoumi, making him the 4th Étoile player to join the neighboring team. The termination of Auwal's contract is reportedly due to medical reasons, while a financial dispute is behind Barhoumi's departure. In the meantime, Étoile du Sahel is navigating its final friendly tests, where Dridi has had time to sort out the good and less good elements of his squad. The most important thing remains the competition, and Étoile du Sahel must not fail in its next three crucial matches in the championship and the CAF Cup. Finally, the board of directors has announced the holding of the Ordinary General Assembly on September 30, which will focus on the balance sheet of the 2024-2025 sports season.
