Jendouba Sport vs Kasserine on 17 January
On January 17, 2026, the second-tier Tunisian football league will witness a crucial showdown between Jendouba Sport and Kasserine at the Stade Ali Belhouane. Both teams have battled through the intense grind of the League 2 tournament, and this encounter is vital for both sides as they look to solidify their position in the standings. With relegation looming for the lower half of the table, every point is a potential game-changer. The match promises to offer tactical intricacies and a fierce contest, making it one that will not be easily forgotten by fans of Tunisian football.
Jendouba Sport: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Jendouba Sport has been on an intriguing run of form over their last five matches, securing two wins, two losses, and a draw. The team’s tactical setup is predominantly based on a compact defensive structure and quick transitions. Head coach Mohamed Ali Kheireddine has implemented a counter-attacking style, using the pace of their wingers to exploit space on the break. Their average possession in recent games hovers around 44%, but they excel in the final third, boasting a remarkable 72% passing accuracy in attacking areas.
One of Jendouba's key tactical features is their pressing game. Their high pressing system has allowed them to win possession in dangerous areas and create immediate threats. They average 15 pressing actions per match, making it clear that their game plan revolves around disrupting the opposition's rhythm. However, this aggressive pressing also leaves them vulnerable to quick counter-attacks if the press is bypassed.
In terms of key players, the attacking trio of Sofiane Zargua, Habib Gharbi, and Ali Gdiri has been crucial in both providing pace on the wings and contributing to the final product in front of goal. Zargua, with his dribbling ability and precise crosses, has provided four assists in the last five games, and Gharbi’s two goals in that period demonstrate his importance in the attacking third. Unfortunately, they will be without their key midfielder, Mohamed Ali Toumi, who is serving a suspension. His absence could slightly hinder their midfield dominance and defensive stability.
Kasserine: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Kasserine's recent form has been a story of struggle, with just one win in their last five matches. They have suffered three losses and secured one draw. Their current tactical setup under coach Ahmed Selmi is less fluid than Jendouba's, as they often rely on a more direct, long-ball approach. Their possession average sits lower than Jendouba’s at just 39%, but they use it efficiently, with a higher reliance on set-pieces (average 6.2 corners per match) and long passes to their target man in the attacking third. This route-one style has often disrupted opposing defenses, particularly in home matches, where Kasserine tends to be more competitive.
The team’s defensive organization has been solid, but they often struggle when facing high-intensity presses. They average 12 defensive duels per game but often concede possession due to their tendency to clear long balls under pressure. A more nuanced passing game could give them greater fluidity, but as it stands, their offensive threat remains somewhat blunt.
Key player Hamza Zarrouk has been at the heart of their offensive output, contributing directly to half of Kasserine’s goals this season with two goals and three assists. The presence of Zarrouk in the final third is a vital asset for Kasserine, and he will be the man Jendouba must keep a close eye on. Kasserine will also miss the services of their central defender, Rached Messaoudi, who is suspended. This could open up opportunities for Jendouba’s attackers to exploit aerial duels and space in the box.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The head-to-head history between these two sides has been largely competitive, with Jendouba Sport winning two of the last five encounters, while Kasserine has claimed one victory and two matches have ended in draws. One notable trend is that these games have often been tight, with an average of 2.2 goals per match in the last five meetings. Jendouba’s higher pressing intensity has caused Kasserine problems in previous encounters, but Kasserine’s reliance on set-pieces has often kept them in the game.
From a psychological standpoint, the home advantage could give Jendouba a slight edge, especially with their defensive structure and attacking quickness in transition. However, Kasserine will be aware that they need points to stay in the race for mid-table safety, and they will not take this match lightly.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
There are two key positional battles that will decide the outcome of this match. Firstly, the duel between Jendouba’s central defenders and Kasserine’s forward Hamza Zarrouk will be pivotal. Zarrouk's ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play will be critical if Kasserine hopes to break down Jendouba’s compact defense. The aerial duels will be crucial, particularly with Messaoudi missing from Kasserine’s defense.
The second critical area will be the wing battle. Jendouba’s wingers, Sofiane Zargua and Ali Gdiri, have the pace and technical ability to isolate Kasserine’s full-backs. With Kasserine's defense often exposed when under pressure, the ability of Jendouba’s wingers to get in behind could create major problems. The wing-backs' positioning will be critical for Kasserine as they look to stifle these attacks.
Match Scenario and Prediction
In terms of match scenario, Jendouba will likely control possession in the opening stages, looking to break quickly when Kasserine is forced to clear the ball. Expect Kasserine to be a little more direct, using long balls to Zarrouk or trying to win set-pieces in attacking areas. Jendouba’s pressing system should give them a slight advantage in terms of winning back possession high up the pitch and creating fast counter-attacks.
Given the lack of key players for Kasserine, including the absence of Messaoudi and the suspension of key midfielder Mohamed Ali Toumi for Jendouba, the balance of the game may shift. Both teams will have to overcome these absences with tactical discipline, but Jendouba’s superior pressing game and home advantage could be enough to seal the victory.
Prediction: Jendouba Sport 2-1 Kasserine
Final Thoughts
Both teams will fight hard in this contest, but the intensity of Jendouba’s pressing game and the threat on the wings is likely to prove decisive. Kasserine will need to rely on their physicality and set-piece ability to get a result, but the absences in their defense could hinder their chances. This match will answer the question: Can Kasserine rise above their struggles and steal a result, or will Jendouba's tactical intensity push them closer to safety?
