Olympique Béja vs CS Sfaxien Match Recap - Nov 5, 2025

CS Sfaxien Edges Olympique Béja in Tense Clash, Leaving Hosts in Relegation Woes

CS Sfaxien secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Olympique Béja at Boujemaa Kmiti Stadium, a result that deepens the home side's relegation fears while offering a glimmer of hope for Sfaxien's mid-table aspirations. The decisive moment came from I. Belwafi, who found the net in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a moment of defensive frailty from Béja.

The match unfolded under the weight of expectations, especially for Olympique Béja, who entered the fixture with just two wins in their last twelve matches. Their recent form has been dismal, suffering three consecutive defeats leading into this clash, including a heavy 0-3 loss to CA Bizertin just days prior. The pressure was palpable as they sought to turn their fortunes around against a Sfaxien side that had shown signs of resilience despite their own recent struggles.

Sfaxien's victory was not without its challenges. They played with ten men after A. Taifour received a red card in the 23rd minute, forcing them to adapt their strategy and dig deep defensively. This setback could have derailed many teams, but Sfaxien held firm, showcasing a commendable defensive effort that frustrated Béja's attempts to find an equalizer.

Béja's attacking woes continued as they failed to convert their possession into meaningful chances. Despite having moments of promise, particularly through I. Chelghoumi, who had been a bright spot in their recent matches, they struggled to break down a resolute Sfaxien defense. The home side's inability to capitalize on set pieces and open play opportunities highlighted their ongoing struggles in front of goal.

The first half saw Sfaxien take the lead against the run of play. Belwafi's goal came as a result of a well-timed counterattack, exploiting the gaps left by Béja's desperate push for an early advantage. This goal not only shifted the momentum but also placed immense pressure on Béja to respond, a task they ultimately failed to accomplish.

As the second half unfolded, Béja ramped up their efforts, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Sfaxien's defense, anchored by a disciplined performance from their backline, absorbed the pressure effectively. The visitors' goalkeeper made crucial saves that preserved their lead, showcasing the importance of composure under pressure.

Reflecting on recent performances, Béja has now gone six matches without a win, leaving them languishing in 16th place with just eight points. Their season has been marred by inconsistency and defensive lapses, raising questions about their ability to escape the relegation zone. The burden now falls heavily on manager Faouzi Benzarti to instill confidence and tactical discipline in his squad ahead of their next match against Jeunesse Sportive Omrane.

On the other hand, CS Sfaxien moves up to 7th place with 17 points, showing signs of recovery after a mixed bag of results in recent weeks. While they have not been prolific in front of goal, this victory could serve as a catalyst for better performances moving forward. Their next encounter against AS Marsa will be crucial as they aim to build on this hard-fought win.

In hindsight, my pre-match prediction underestimated the resilience of Sfaxien and overestimated Béja's ability to capitalize on home advantage. The narrative of this match serves as a reminder that in football, form can be deceptive, and sometimes it takes a single moment of brilliance-or a lapse in concentration-to define the outcome.

As both teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the stakes remain high. For Béja, every match is now a battle for survival; for Sfaxien, it is about finding consistency and pushing towards the upper echelons of Ligue 1. The tension will undoubtedly continue to build as the season progresses, with each point becoming increasingly vital in this tightly contested league.