CS Sfaxien 1-0 Academie de FAD: Ben Salah Strike Delivers Narrow CAF Confederation Cup Win

CS Sfaxien secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Academie de FAD in the CAF Confederation Cup on 25 October 2026, with a second-half goal from Aymen Ben Salah proving decisive at the Stade Taieb Mhiri. The Tunisian side controlled long spells of the contest and were rewarded for their patience when Ben Salah found space inside the penalty area and finished with composure.

Match Overview

Sfaxien set the tone early, dominating possession and pushing Academie de FAD deep into their own half. The hosts moved the ball quickly through midfield and looked to release their wide players behind the defence, but FAD defended with discipline and limited clear openings in the first half. The visitors’ best moments came on the counter-attack, with their forwards showing pace and directness when they broke forward.

The breakthrough arrived on 63 minutes. Sfaxien worked the ball into the box through a patient passing move, and Ben Salah took advantage of a defensive hesitation to drill a low shot into the net. Academie de FAD responded with more urgency in the final 20 minutes and created a couple of half-chances, but Sfaxien’s back line, protected by goalkeeper Rami Jeridi, held firm to secure a valuable clean sheet.

Key Moments

• 18’: Sfaxien’s first real effort on target forces a smart save from the FAD goalkeeper.
• 41’: Academie de FAD break quickly, but the final shot is blocked inside the area.
• 63’: Aymen Ben Salah scores the only goal of the game with a low finish from inside the box.
• 78’: FAD head narrowly wide from a set-piece as they push for an equaliser.
• 90’: Rami Jeridi claims a late cross to seal the win for Sfaxien.

Tactical Story

Sfaxien’s 4-2-3-1 shape gave them control in midfield, with the double pivot screening the defence and allowing the full-backs to advance. Their main threat came through quick combinations in the half-spaces, and Ben Salah’s movement between the lines was difficult for FAD to track. Academie de FAD sat deep and tried to spring forward on the counter, but their final ball lacked precision in the crucial moments.

The game underlined the value of game management in continental competition. Sfaxien did not chase a second goal recklessly after taking the lead, instead slowing the tempo and protecting their advantage. FAD will take encouragement from their defensive organisation and late pressure, but they leave Tunisia with nothing to show for a disciplined away performance.

Standout Players

Aymen Ben Salah was the match-winner for CS Sfaxien, showing excellent awareness to find space in the box and finish the decisive chance. Rami Jeridi commanded his area well and made important saves when FAD pushed forward late on. The FAD goalkeeper also produced a strong display, keeping his side in the contest with several sharp stops before the breakthrough.

Season Impact

The three points strengthen Sfaxien’s position in the CAF Confederation Cup group standings and give them a solid platform for the next round of fixtures. The clean sheet will be especially pleasing for the coaching staff, while Academie de FAD will need to turn promising counter-attacks into clearer chances if they are to pick up results in their remaining matches.