Cabistes Dominate but Miss Clear‑Cut Chances Against USM
La Presse – It’s often said that a team that creates scoring opportunities need not worry about its immediate future; sooner or later it will find the back of the net. In this specific context, however, “the near future” means the end of the season. Against USM, the Cabistes put on an entertaining show overall, but they missed the essential task of finishing off a highly‑motivated opponent in Bizerte.
A Long‑Running Drought Ends in 2021
The CAB has not beaten the Monastir side since 2021, whether at Stade 15‑Octobre or at Mustapha Ben Jannet. Consequently, pre‑match anxiety was justified among the “Yellow and Black” camp. Could USM be considered the “black beast” of the CAB?
No. The head‑to‑head record still heavily favors Allala’s men. The reason is that the northern club has regressed significantly and therefore lacks the arguments to face opponents on an upward trajectory these past seasons—such as USM.
Bad Luck and Clumsy Play
Last weekend, the Cabistes’ failure to secure a win boiled down to misfortune and a series of clumsy moments in front of the goal guarded by Hlaoui.
- First half: Rhimi’s header drifted just wide, and Nourani’s shot was parried by the visiting keeper, then rebounded off the right post and was cleared by the USM defense.
- Second half: Freshly‑substituted Berrima missed an obvious chance from two metres out, sending the ball into the air. Minutes later, Marius Glo attempted a shot that rose too high.
Countless opportunities were squandered—a true waste.
Even though Chiheb Ellili, notebook in hand, made five substitutions, the score remained blank. In short, the coaching adjustments did not produce the desired effect. The two lost points will have to be chased down in Kairouan against JSK in the next round—but that will be an entirely different story.
