AS Kasserine edged Union Ksour Essef 1-0 in a hard-fought Tunisian Professional League 2 contest at Stade de Kasserine on Tuesday night, climbing further away from the relegation zone with a precious three points.

Match Overview

The only goal of the game arrived in the 34th minute when home striker Firas Laabidi latched onto a through ball from midfielder Montassar Talbi, calmly slotting past Union goalkeeper Mohamed Ali Jlassi. The strike proved decisive as both teams toiled in the second half without adding to the scoreline.

Key Moments

• Early pressure: Kasserine dominated the opening 20 minutes, with winger Hichem Ben Romdhane forcing a fine save from Jlassi in the 12th minute.
• The goal (34′): A quick counter-attack caught Union's defense flat. Talbi's incisive pass split the center-backs, and Laabidi's first-time finish gave the hosts the lead.
• Second-half siege: Union Ksour Essef pushed for an equalizer after the break, but Kasserine's defense — marshaled by captain Yassine Boufal — held firm. The visitors' best chance came in the 78th minute when substitute Malek Boughanmi headed wide from six yards.

Tactical Story

AS Kasserine set up in a pragmatic 4-3-3, pressing high in the first half and then dropping into a compact block after taking the lead. Union Ksour Essef struggled to break down the organized home defense, with their midfield lacking creativity against Kasserine's deep-lying trio. The visitors attempted 14 shots but only 3 were on target.

Standings Impact

The win lifts AS Kasserine to 12th place with 28 points, six points clear of the relegation playoff spot. Union Ksour Essef remain in 14th place with 24 points and are now winless in four matches — a worrying run as the season enters its critical final stretch.

Man of the Match

Montassar Talbi (AS Kasserine) – The midfielder was the architect of the goal and covered every blade of grass, winning 7 duels and completing 89% of his passes.

Attendance: 2,500 | Yellow cards: 3 (Kasserine 1, Union 2)