This Sunday’s eagerly awaited capital derby between Espérance Sportive de Tunis (ES Tunis) and Club Africain will see 30,000 passionate supporters of the “blood and gold” team filling the stands at the Olympique de Radès.
The decision, which follows careful deliberation, restricts attendance to only ES Tunis fans, with the match scheduled to take place on December 22 at 15:30 GMT.
There had been hopes among Club Africain fans for a shared atmosphere at the stadium.
The club had requested the presence of 5,000 supporters to accompany the home crowd, and in return, proposed that ES Tunis be allotted a similar number of tickets for the return fixture.
However, following a security meeting held earlier this week, the authorities decided that the match would be exclusively for ES Tunis fans, citing safety concerns and logistical considerations.
According to an official source from ES Tunis, the 30,000 tickets available for the game will primarily be allocated to season ticket holders.
In addition, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 tickets will be distributed as invitations, with various supporter groups receiving them, ensuring the atmosphere remains vibrant despite the restrictions.
The capital derby, which will take place at the prestigious Hamadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium in Radès, is a fixture that has long been anticipated by Tunisian football fans.
As one of the most heated rivalries in the country, it promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for dominance in Ligue 1.
This particular match, part of the 12th round of the season, holds significant importance as both clubs aim to strengthen their position in the league.
The absence of Club Africain supporters will undoubtedly change the dynamic of the match, but the passionate ES Tunis crowd is expected to create an electric atmosphere, ensuring the derby maintains its intensity.
With the stakes high, all eyes will be on this fixture as it promises to be a defining moment in the Tunisian football calendar.
