Union Sportive Monastirienne and Stade Tunisien will battle for a place in the 2024–2025 Tunisian Super Cup final this Sunday in an unexpected semi-final fixture, triggered by a regulatory ambiguity that has unsettled the traditional structure of the competition.
Set to kick off at 17:00 local time at the Taïeb Mhiri Stadium in Sfax, this semi-final is a result of inconsistencies in the interpretation of the Super Cup’s regulations.
Normally, the annual curtain-raiser pits the reigning league champions against the winners of the Tunisian Cup.
However, this season’s confusion has necessitated an additional match to determine who will face Espérance de Tunis, the 2023–2024 league champions, in next weekend’s final.
The clash brings together US Monastirienne, runners-up in the league, and Stade Tunisien, last season’s cup finalists.
The decision to organize a semi-final was made due to the absence of a clear provision in the regulations for cases when the same team qualifies on both league and cup merits or when inconsistencies arise in the competition structure.
In a surprising strategic move, US Monastirienne have opted to field their reserve side for this high-stakes encounter.
The club’s coaching staff cited concerns over possible injuries to key players with the league season looming, and a potential final against Espérance on the horizon.
This decision injects further intrigue into the tie, potentially giving Stade Tunisien an edge in their quest to reach the final.
For Stade Tunisien, the match represents an opportunity to capitalise on Monastir’s calculated risk and earn a place in a prestigious final.
With motivation high and full strength expected, the side from Bardo will be looking to exploit every opening in pursuit of silverware.
The match will be overseen by an officiating team led by referee Bacem Belaid, supported by assistant referees Jacem Shimi and Zied Naili.
Mohamed Aguel will act as the fourth official.
Sunday’s fixture in Sfax is not only a rare occurrence in the Super Cup’s history but also a pivotal moment for both clubs.
The victor will go on to face Espérance de Tunis in what promises to be a compelling finale to a competition already marked by procedural uncertainty and unexpected drama.
