US Monastir edged past Club Africain with a narrow 1-0 win on Thursday afternoon, moving up to second place in the Tunisian Ligue 1 standings.
The victory, secured by a first-half goal from Aymen Harzi, now places Monastir just two points behind league leaders Espérance de Tunis as the title race intensifies.
Monastir strengthens its title ambitions
The highly anticipated clash between US Monastir and Club Africain was the highlight of the 22nd round of Ligue 1 fixtures.
With both teams vying for a top-three finish, Monastir seized the opportunity to take control of their fate.
Harzi’s decisive goal in the 42nd minute proved enough to secure the three points, pushing his side from third to second place in the standings.
With this victory, US Monastir sits at 46 points, just behind Espérance de Tunis, who leads with 48 points.
Club Africain, meanwhile, slips to fourth place with 43 points, as the battle for CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup qualification spots intensifies.
Stade Tunisien ends losing streak
Elsewhere, Stade Tunisien ended a difficult run of form with a hard-fought 1-0 home win against US Ben Guerdane.
Nacef Atoui’s third-minute goal was enough to secure the victory, snapping a three-match losing streak.
Stade Tunisien had recently suffered defeats in both the league and the Tunisian Super Cup but managed to get back on track with this crucial result.
Meanwhile, CS Sfaxien claimed an important away victory against Olympique de Béja (2-1). Mohamed Absi converted a penalty in the 65th minute, and Omra Ben Ali doubled the lead in the 85th minute.
Islem Chalghoumi pulled one back for Béja deep into stoppage time (90’+12), but it was too late to prevent defeat.
Full matchday 22 results
- Espérance de Tunis 3-0 Étoile du Sahel
- ES Métlaoui 2-1 AS Gabès
- AS Soliman 1-0 JS Omrane
- CA Bizertin 4-1 ES Zarzis
- Olympique de Béja 1-2 CS Sfaxien
- US Tataouine 0-1 EGS Gafsa
- US Monastir 1-0 Club Africain
- Stade Tunisien 1-0 US Ben Guerdane
Updated Ligue 1 standings after matchday 22
- Espérance de Tunis – 48 pts
- US Monastir – 46 pts
- Étoile du Sahel – 45 pts
- Club Africain – 43 pts
- ES Zarzis – 41 pts
- Stade Tunisien – 39 pts
- CS Sfaxien – 31 pts
- ES Métlaoui – 31 pts
- Olympique de Béja – 28 pts
- CA Bizertin – 23 pts
- AS Soliman – 22 pts
- JS Omrane – 20 pts
- AS Gabès – 18 pts
- US Ben Guerdane – 16 pts
- US Tataouine – 14 pts
- EGS Gafsa – 12 pts
With just a few matches left in the season, the race for the championship and continental qualification spots remains wide open.
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining the fate of the teams battling for the top positions and those fighting to avoid relegation.
