Stade Tunisien made a strong return to the African football scene with a narrow but significant 1-0 win over Jamus FC Juba in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminaries. The decisive goal was delivered by Ousmane Ouattara, securing a valuable away victory for the Tunisian side in Juba, South Sudan.
After a 20-year absence from continental competition, Stade Tunisien showed resilience and tactical discipline, overcoming a determined Jamus FC Juba.
The match, held in the South Sudanese capital, remained goalless through a tense first half, with both teams struggling to find clear chances.
The breakthrough came early in the second half, following a strategic halftime substitution by Stade Tunisien’s coach, Maher Kanzari.
Recognizing the need for a tactical shift, Kanzari introduced Ousmane Ouattara, a central defender, in place of Adam Arous.
The move, initially aimed at bolstering the defense, turned out to be the game’s pivotal moment.
Just ten minutes into the second half, Ouattara, known more for his defensive capabilities, found himself in an attacking position during a set-piece.
Rising above the Jamus FC defenders, he expertly headed the ball into the net, giving Stade Tunisien the lead in the 55th minute.
The goal not only demonstrated Ouattara’s versatility but also underscored the effectiveness of Kanzari’s decision-making.
The remainder of the match saw Stade Tunisien manage their narrow lead with composure, stifling any attempts by Jamus FC to equalize.
The hosts, despite a spirited effort, were unable to break through the well-organized Tunisian defense, leaving them frustrated at the final whistle.
This victory places Stade Tunisien in a strong position ahead of the second leg, which will take place at the Hamadi-Agrebi Olympic Stadium in Radès on Saturday, August 24.
With an away goal in hand and the support of their home crowd, the Tunisian side will be confident in their ability to advance to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
For Stade Tunisien, this win marks an encouraging start to their CAF campaign, as they seek to make a significant impact on the continental stage after years of absence.
The team’s performance in Juba reflects their determination to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite clubs.
As they prepare for the return leg, Stade Tunisien will be keen to build on this momentum, aware that their journey in the CAF Confederation Cup has only just begun.
Meanwhile, Jamus FC Juba faces a challenging task as they head to Tunisia, needing to overturn the deficit in a daunting away fixture.
