Club Africain maintain pace at the top with victory over Stade Tunisien

Club Africain are five points clear at the top of the Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle table following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Stade Tunisien.

Oussema Shili and Oussema Cherimi scored in quick succession before the hour mark to help CA stay ahead of defending champions and rivals Espérance Tunis, who will face midtable club JS Omrane away from home on Monday for their match from the 28th round.

After both title contenders dropped points in the 27th round, it was crucial for Club Africain to respond with a victory on Sunday. Facing a tricky opponent in the form of Stade Tunisien, the hosts managed to overcome a strong defense after being held to a scoreless draw in the first half.

Early second half surge allows Club Africain to claim victory

The breakthrough arrived in the 52nd minute. A long ball into the Stade Tunisien penalty area found star forward Firas Chaouat, who flicked a header back towards the middle of the box. Goalkeeper Noureddine Farhati came out to punch the ball away but Shili arrived at the penalty spot to lob his finish over the stranded keeper and a defender.

League top scorer Chaouat was involved again five minutes later when he received a pass in the box and laid a pass into the path of Cherimi, who made no mistake with his finish.

 

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Now all eyes turn to Espérance on Monday, who must win to stay within range of their Tunis rivals. The two contenders will face off on Friday in a highly-anticipated Tunis Derby that will likely determine the champion. Espérance have been champions in eight of the last nine seasons.