The management of Club Africain has submitted an official request to Tunisian authorities to increase the number of spectators allowed at their upcoming derby match against Esperance, scheduled for Sunday in round 27 of the Tunisian Ligue 1.
The eagerly awaited fixture, set to take place at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, is one of the most anticipated clashes in Tunisian football.
According to “Diwan” radio, the club sought to secure an additional 1,000 tickets for fans, hoping to expand the previously agreed capacity of 28,000 spectators.
Despite the growing demand for tickets and the high expectations surrounding the match, the authorities have officially rejected the request for extra tickets.
The decision means that only the initially approved 28,000 fans will be permitted to attend the game, which is expected to be a high-stakes encounter between two of Tunisia’s biggest clubs.
The derby holds significant implications for both teams, as they are locked in a tight battle for the league title.
Esperance, the defending champions, currently sit at the top of the table with 56 points, tied with Union Monastir.
They hold a narrow one-point lead over third-placed Club Africain, who will be looking to close the gap with a victory in this crucial match.
Club Africain will be hoping for a strong home support to help them secure a vital three points in the race for the championship.
However, with the authorities’ decision, fans will have to make do with the existing ticket allocation, despite the fervent desire to attend one of the most important matches of the season.