Croissant Msaken came from behind to beat AS Gabes 2-1 in the Tunisian Professional League 2 on 18 October 2026, with a second-half winner completing a determined home display. AS Gabes struck first, but Msaken’s response was confident and controlled.

Match overview

AS Gabes made the brighter start and took the lead in the 12th minute when Imed Bouazizi found space between the centre-backs and finished neatly. The early goal gave the visitors something to protect, and they dropped deeper in an attempt to deny Msaken room in behind.

Msaken gradually grew into the game. Their midfield began to win more second balls, and their wide players started to stretch the Gabes defence. The equaliser arrived in the 33rd minute through Wael Jaziri, who arrived at the edge of the box to convert a cut-back. Msaken continued to push after the break and found the winner in the 69th minute when Sami Khelifi converted from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Key moments

• 12’ – AS Gabes take the lead: Imed Bouazizi finishes a quick break for 0-1.
• 33’ – Msaken equalise: Wael Jaziri side-foots home from a low cross.
• 52’ – Msaken denied: A header is cleared off the line as the home side press.
• 69’ – Msaken take the lead: Sami Khelifi pounces in the box to make it 2-1.
• 85’ – Late resistance: AS Gabes push forward, but Msaken’s defence holds firm.

Tactical story

Msaken’s comeback was built on better control of the midfield after the opening 20 minutes. They started to press higher, forcing Gabes into hurried clearances and keeping the ball alive in the attacking third. The equaliser came from exactly that kind of pressure, with a wide overload leading to the cut-back for Jaziri.

AS Gabes defended deeper as the match wore on, and while they remained dangerous on the counter, they struggled to relieve sustained pressure. Msaken’s winning goal was scrappy rather than stylish, but it reflected their willingness to commit bodies forward and fight for the decisive moment.

Standout players

Jaziri’s equaliser was the turning point and his link play helped bring Msaken’s midfield into the contest. Khelifi’s match-winning instinct proved decisive, and the home defence deserved credit for limiting Gabes after the early setback. Bouazizi was AS Gabes’ most dangerous player, but his early goal was not enough to secure a result.

Table impact

The victory gives Croissant Msaken three important points in the Tunisian Professional League 2 and reinforces their ability to respond under pressure. AS Gabes will rue a missed opportunity after taking an early lead, particularly because they struggled to retain possession when the match became stretched. In a competitive promotion race, Msaken’s resilience could prove valuable.

The 2-1 win was not a flawless performance, but it showed character, tactical flexibility and the kind of late decisiveness that often separates teams in a long league campaign.