Tunisian Ligue 1: AS Soliman edge Olympique de Béja as JS Kairouanaise stun AS Marsa

Matchday five of the Tunisian Ligue 1 produced drama on Thursday, with AS Soliman claiming a narrow win over Olympique de Béja, JS Kairouanaise mounting a spirited comeback against AS Marsa, and ES Métlaoui settling for a goalless draw with JS Omrane.

In Bir Bouregba, Soliman finally ended their poor run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Béja.

Mannoubi Haddad struck deep into first-half stoppage time, seizing on a loose moment to give his side a crucial lead in a tense encounter where every duel carried weight.

Béja thought they had found a lifeline late on when Mohamed Aziz Gharbi converted in the 79th minute, only for VAR—used exclusively at this ground—to rule the goal out for offside.

The decision proved decisive, as goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia produced a commanding display to secure Soliman’s much-needed win, lifting them back into contention in the lower half of the table.

Kairouan rally after early setback

In Kairouan, the home side showed remarkable resilience to overturn an early deficit and defeat AS Marsa 2-1.

The visitors went ahead in the eighth minute through Godwin Kalu, but JSK responded with determination.

Christ Junior levelled the score in the 29th minute before Abdoulaye Kanou struck the winner midway through the second half.

Marsa will feel aggrieved at the outcome after twice being denied by the woodwork and dominating large stretches of play.

Yet their inefficiency in front of goal left them with nothing to show, while Kairouanaise celebrated a victory that lifts them clear of immediate relegation danger and breathes new confidence into their campaign.

Métlaoui and Omrane share the spoils

Elsewhere, ES Métlaoui and JS Omrane cancelled each other out in a 0-0 draw that reflected both teams’ cautious approach.

Chances were scarce, and while the stalemate lacked fireworks, it ensured that both sides maintained their strong starts to the season and remain in the frame for continental qualification.

Though the fifth round is far from decisive, Thursday’s matches offered a glimpse of contrasting fortunes: relief for Soliman, heartbreak for Marsa, and steady consistency from Métlaoui and Omrane. With the league table tightening, every point and every decision is shaping the course of what promises to be a fiercely contested campaign.