The Olimpico de Sousse: A Fortress No More
The Olimpico de Sousse, once an impenetrable fortress, has become a venue of opportunities for numerous opponents, regardless of their caliber.
A Disappointing Performance
The recent match against OB was marked by individual failures from the Etoile players. In the post-match press conference, coach Nafkha expressed his dismay and bitterness: "They had two scoring opportunities and scored, while we created many chances but only scored once. We can only blame ourselves. No one can tolerate this situation, and we understand the fans' anger and reaction. We must remain united and solidary in the face of upcoming challenges."
An Experimental Lineup
The team that took to the field was almost a B-team, with coach Nafkha opting for an unconventional and experimental formation. The surprise inclusion of Najeh Ferjani, who failed to make an impact, and Maher Ben Sghaier, who struggled technically, raised eyebrows. The match was poorly approached, with a lackluster first 30 minutes. The players failed to make a difference, with each one missing the final touch, whether it was Chaâbani upfront or Ben Sghaier in midfield.
A Few Bright Spots
Only a few players, such as Hnid, Omija, and Ben Choug, showed some promise, while the rest of the team was made up of traditional substitutes. Key players like Ghedamsi, Anan, Aouani, and Al Glaieb started on the bench. The only player who stood out was Mohamed Hédi Bouslama, who scored the equalizing goal and could have scored another.
A Disappointing Second Half
The introduction of Dhaoui in place of Smichi, who was invisible, did not change the course of the game. The double substitution of Anan and Aouani, followed by Ben Amor replacing Chouchane, also failed to make an impact. In the end, almost no player seemed inspired, and coach Nafkha bears a significant responsibility for this latest debacle at the Olimpico. This new defeat does not bode well for the rest of the season.