CS Sfaxien 3–1 Etoile Sahel
Tunisian Professional League 1 – May 14, 2026, 23:00

CS Sfaxien delivered a statement performance with a commanding 3–1 victory over arch‑rivals Etoile Sahel in a crucial Tunisian Professional League 1 clash. The win not only boosted Sfaxien’s hopes of securing a continental spot but also dealt a blow to Etoile’s fading title ambitions.

Match Overview

The Stade Taïeb Mhiri was electric as the two historic clubs met in a contest that lived up to its billing. CS Sfaxien started brightly and raced into a two‑goal lead before half‑time. Etoile Sahel responded after the break but could not recover fully as Sfaxien added a third to put the game beyond doubt.

Key Moments

• 19th minute: Sfaxien took the lead through a brilliant solo run by winger Firas Chaouat, who cut inside from the left and curled the ball into the far corner.
• 42nd minute: The home side doubled their advantage when midfielder Alaa Ghram received a pass on the edge of the area and rifled a shot into the roof of the net.
• 58th minute: Etoile Sahel pulled one back when forward Bilel Mejri headed home from a corner, giving the visitors hope.
• 74th minute: CS Sfaxien restored their two‑goal cushion through a penalty calmly converted by captain Mohamed Ali Moncer after a handball in the box.

Tactical Story

CS Sfaxien’s aggressive high press disrupted Etoile Sahel’s build‑up play from the outset. Playing in a 4‑3‑3, Sfaxien targeted the spaces behind Etoile’s full‑backs, with Chaouat and winger Karim Ben Amor causing constant problems. Etoile Sahel moved to a more attacking 4‑2‑3‑1 after the break, briefly gaining momentum, but defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the final third prevented a full comeback.

Standout Players

• Firas Chaouat (CS Sfaxien): Scored a stunning opener and was a constant menace with his dribbling.
• Alaa Ghram (CS Sfaxien): Dominated the midfield and added a goal to his industrious display.
• Bilel Mejri (Etoile Sahel): The visitors’ only real threat; his header gave them a lifeline.

Table Impact

The victory lifted CS Sfaxien to fourth place in the Tunisian Professional League 1 standings, now just two points behind the top three. Etoile Sahel dropped to sixth, six points adrift of the league leaders, making their title challenge increasingly unlikely.