A Glimmer of Hope for Etoile
The positive aspect of the game was the strong character of the players, particularly the foreign recruits, who gave the Etoile an unexpected point. However, the game, especially in defense and midfield, needs to be revised.
La Presse
In a match largely dominated by Monastir, the Etoile had the merit of staying concerned and not giving up. Almost unexpectedly at halftime, the Etoile brought back a positive result from Monastir, with determination. The surprise of the returning team was the new Kenyan recruit Alphonse Omija, who started the game.
Omija demonstrated good physical abilities and ease in his position. The quality of the team is improving with each match, as the ESS remains unbeaten in three games, after two initial losses. This is a sign of slight improvement, even if the team does not take control of the game and does not seem to master its matches. The possession of the ball was 38% against 62%, and the Etoile had only one corner kick compared to eight for the USM. However, the turnover has the advantage of working for Lassaâd Dridi.
27 Players Used
In five championship games, coach Lassaâd Dridi has used a total of 27 players. This includes the incorporation of Algerian Maâzouz at the end of the match for his first official outing, in addition to Omija. The decisive passer on Aouani's goal, Noureddine Al Qalib, with his superb pass from the outside, should have more playing time soon. His place is not really on the bench.
Back to the Game
The Etoile suffered too much in the game, especially in the first half-hour. In fact, the entry of Dhaoui, despite his clumsiness, had the merit of energizing the attack and carrying the game forward. Moreover, Dridi admitted the strong opposition of the US Monastir after the match: "We had many absences. Dhaoui was absent all week due to injury. We made a tactical change to regain balance in the middle of the field. This sector is still failing and needs adjustments. We lost many duels. We lost the second ball offensively, the second ball defensively. All our changes were almost of an offensive nature, with the incorporation of four offensive elements. Al Qalib cannot play more than 20 minutes because he lacks competition. This is almost valid for Maâzouz. We are doing what is necessary with what we have."
Dridi is realistic and knows that the group has a lot of work to do, especially with the upcoming CAF Cup match.
Paying Resistance
"USM scored at the most unexpected moment, just before the break, which disoriented the Etoile at the return of the locker rooms," said assistant coach Mohamed Ali Nafkha at the end of the match. He estimated that his players did what was necessary, despite the disadvantage in the score. Nafkha did not hide his disappointment: "We would have liked to get a better result. We tried to come back in the game, playing all or nothing. Only one point was scored, we would have liked to win, but..."
The Etoile will have to regain their composure tomorrow against Jeunesse Sportive de Kairouan.
