CAF Confederation Cup: Etoile du Sahel suffer heartbreaking exit

Etoile Sportive du Sahel were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup despite securing a 2–0 victory over Nairobi United at the Sousse Olympic Stadium, ultimately bowing out 7–6 in a tense penalty shootout on Sunday.

Having lost by the same scoreline in the first leg in Kenya, the Tunisian side entered the match with urgency and conviction, knowing only a strong response would keep their continental hopes alive.

From the outset, Mohamed Ali Nafkha’s players displayed an aggressive approach, pushing high and applying constant pressure on their visitors.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second half.

Rayan Anane finished off a well-constructed attacking move to halve the deficit on aggregate and inject renewed belief among the home supporters.

The goal energised Etoile further as they continued to chase the equaliser that would force the contest beyond regulation time.

Their perseverance finally paid off deep into stoppage time.

In the seventh additional minute, Ghofrane Nawali struck to make it 2–0 on the night and level the tie overall, sparking wild celebrations in the stands and sending the match to penalties.

The shootout began with promise for Etoile, who initially converted confidently from the spot.

But tension mounted and momentum shifted when Nassim Hnid and Cedrik Gbo failed to score their respective attempts.

Nairobi United, who had shown composure throughout the duel, missed only once before sealing victory with their seventh kick.

The result leaves Etoile du Sahel reflecting on a night that showcased their determination but ended in bitter disappointment.

The club produced the response required after the first-leg defeat, yet the decisive moments ultimately favoured their opponents.

This elimination adds to a difficult run for Tunisian sides in African competitions.

Stade Tunisien and US Monastir have already exited the continental stage, leaving only Espérance Sportive de Tunis still competing, after their qualification for the Champions League group phase earlier in the day.

For Etoile, the manner of the defeat will be particularly painful.

They controlled much of the match, fought back from a significant deficit, and kept their quest alive until the very end.

However, as the shootout unfolded under immense pressure, fortune sided with Nairobi United.

Nafkha’s team now face the task of regrouping after an early end to their continental campaign — one decided by the finest of margins and remembered for a valiant effort that was not enough to prolong their adventure.