Club Africain seize first place after another twist in tight Tunisian title race

With only four rounds remaining, Club Africain have taken a two-point lead at the top of the Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle table following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over JS Kairouan.

League top scorer Firas Chaouat remains the most in-form striker in Tunisian football after his late goal confirmed a crucial victory for the Tunis club. They are now two points clear of defending champions Espérance Tunis, who slipped up on Sunday after being held to a 1-1 draw by hosts CA Bizertin.

With a more favorable fixture compared to their title rivals, CA took full advantage against relegation battlers JSK. Hamza Khadhraoui put the hosts ahead inside ten minutes and the home team never looked back, with Chaouat’s 15th goal of the season finishing off the victory.

 

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Over at the Stade du 15-Octobre, home side CA Bizertin gave Espérance a worthy challenge and were rewarded with a point after a 1-1 draw that featured late drama.

After a scoreless first half, Kouceila Boualia put the visitors into the lead early in the second half. However, a quick response from CAB forward Wassim Chihi arrived less than five minutes later to put the pressure back on the reigning champions.

It appeared that EST had snatched a winning goal deep into second half stoppage time when substitute forward Achref Jabri headed in from close range. However, a VAR review confirmed that Jabri was narrowly offside and the match ended in a draw.

CS Sfaxien are the only other club remotely in the discussion to finish top. CSS defeated Stade Tunisien 1-0 to remain six points back of new leaders Club Africain. They will next travel to face Espérance in another match that could have a massive impact on the title chase.

Club Africain, meanwhile, will be on the road to face another relegation candidate when AS Soliman host the leaders.

League Table: Two-point lead for new leaders Club Africain