Tunisian Cup recap: Maaloul the Hero as CS Sfaxien advance in a round of surprises

Veteran left-back Ali Maâloul played the hero as CS Sfaxien secured a dramatic qualification to the Tunisian Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over JS Kairouan.

The match, held at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium, seemed destined for penalties before Maâloul stepped up in the dying seconds of extra time. Introduced as a substitute, the experienced full-back converted a last-gasp penalty in the 122nd minute, sealing a crucial victory for his side.

Early Exits For Topflight Teams

The Round of 16 witnessed the early exit of Club Africain, who were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat against US Monastir.

In one of the biggest upsets of the round, second-division side Hilal Msaken stunned US Ben Guerdane with a convincing 4-1 victory.

Other top-flight teams also suffered elimination:

• Stade Tunisien lost on penalties to AS Soliman
• AS Marsa fell via shootout to CA Bizertin
• AS Gabès were beaten 5-2 by ES Métlaoui

Big Wins and Narrow Escapes

Étoile du Sahel cruised into the next round with a dominant 5-0 victory over AS Gafsa, while Olympique Béja survived a scare, advancing on penalties (5-3) after a 1-1 draw against Mornag Sports.

Similarly, ES Zarzis needed penalties to edge past Korba after a goalless draw.

Elsewhere, JS Omrane progressed with a 1-0 win over Oasis Kebili, while Sakiet Eddaier recorded the biggest win of the round, thrashing M’saken Sports 6-0.

Jendouba Sport also advanced comfortably with a 2-0 victory over Sfax Railways.

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