12 Years Later: Club Africain Top of Tunisia

This afternoon, Club Africain ended the twelve year wait for the title in one of the most stressful, entertaining, and ultimately most satisfying matches of the season. They entered the game only 2 points ahead of the defending champs, Etoile du Sahel. Only a victory would secure the title beyond doubt.

The players came out a little over eager in their desire to secure the result from the outset and despite dominating the initial proceedings, ended up conceding a goal on a well worked counter attack through Wissam Maâref in the 27th minute. Not only that but Zarzis continued to look very dangerous on the counter throughout. Their outstanding performance today left a lot of people wondering how they managed to get relegated three matches ago.

With the first half ending 1-0 in favor the visitors who were intent on spoiling the party, minds started to wander towards worst case scenarios. Was CA really going to throw away the title on the last day of the season? Thankfully, the record number of fans (approx. 60 thousand) kept these thoughts to themselves and continued to cheer and create a festive atmosphere in which their boys could thrive.

After the halftime talk in which Ben Chikha implored his team to simply “play football”, CA’s players came out with renewed vigor tempered by the realization that there were still 45 minutes to play. If CA was going to score, they would have to force the issue yet show patience in the attacking third of the pitch.

The biggest worry amongst CA fans was that this would become a race against the stopwatch. Fortunately for them, it didn’t take long for them to open their account as Wissem Ben Yahia expertly dispatched a penalty kick in the 53rd minute which was won by the always elusive, Zouhaier Dhaouadi.

Scoring so early in the second half allowed Club Africain to finally fully immersed themselves in the match and let their talent show. However, their task was complicated by a very composed Zarzis squad that executed their gameplan to near perfection. It’s ironic that they ended up being punished by the very method they were employing: the quick counter attack.

Adel Nefzi gathered a lost Zarzis ball, looked up, and saw Youssef Mouihbi one on one upfield with a sole defender. He wasted no time in lofting the ball high and long in the the striker’s direction. In full sprint and with a trailing defender applying pressure, Mouihbi showed the magnitude of his talent by bringing the ball down with one deft touch and then giving it an extra push before blasting it from the edge of the area and past the helpless keeper. His shot hit the crossbar, but unlike his effort in the first half, it ricochet into the net and not above it. Truly a moment of magic that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Youssef then went on to show more of his skills later in the match, fighting for every ball and putting defenders to shame with dribbles that would make even Maradona proud.

The last few minutes of the match were filled with nerves but as the clock hit the 94th minute, the swiss referee mercifully whistled the end of the game to give Club Africain the championship they’ve been chasing for so long. Special thanks goes to Ben Chikha, the Algerian coach who instilled in his players a winning attitude and true grit.

An honorable mention goes to Alexis Mendomo: His coverage in defense was impeccable as he put in one of his finest performances of the season (and what a time to do it!).

Finally, a respectful salute to Etoile Du Sahel, which helped contribute to one of the most thrilling seasons in Tunisian soccer history. They were alive till the last day and gave themselves a chance to win by downing Esperance, 1-0 through a beautiful strike signed Muri Ogunbyi Ola. I am sure they will be back next season stronger than ever. They’re still in the chase for the Coupe and the Confed Cup as well. All the best to them and others in the future. May Tunisian football continue to rise in stature and quality.

Highlights