Club Africain open the door for title rivals Espérance following draw

Helmi Jouidi’s late equalizer dealt a blow to the title hopes for current Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle leaders Club Africain, who dropped points to relegation fighters AS Soliman in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw.

It was a devastating result for the leaders, who are attempting to end a two-season spell of dominance for title rivals Espérance Tunis. Heavy rain affected the match but it looked like business as usual for CA when Bilal Aït Malek headed in the opening goal from Oussama Shili’s free kick service in the 50th minute.

And the victory appeared to be secure when a handball in the AS Soliman penalty area led to a VAR review and penalty kick awarded in favor of the leaders. League top scorer Firas Chaouat stepped up to finish off the victory but in a shocking moment, the experienced striker fired his spot kick off target.

The 13-time Tunisian club champions paid the price for failing to finish off their opponents. AS Soliman, five points from escaping the relegation zone before Wednesday’s match, had plenty of urgency to get a result and Jouidi overpowered the Club Africain defense to head in the crucial 83rd minute leveler following Manoubi Haddad’s corner kick.

 

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CA could have given themselves some important room to breath in the title race but now they are only three points clear of Espérance. EST can move level with a victory on Thursday when they host a difficult opponent in CS Sfaxien.

But regardless, the defending champions will receive a major boost with the news of Wednesday’s important result. The two title rivals will face off on May 8 in a critical Tunis derby clash, where Espérance can seize the initiative with a victory. Their previous meeting this season ended in a 0-0 draw.

AS Soliman 1-1 Club Africain: Full Highlights

Updated League Table