Sfaxien's home solidity meets AFAD's habit of drawing

Saturday’s second preliminary round tie in Sfax pits a home side with a sturdy back line against an away side that scores regularly but has yet to taste victory this season.

Sfaxien’s home base

CS Sfaxien have won their only home game this season, beating their opponents 2-0 without conceding. Away from home the picture is less convincing: a draw and a defeat from two trips, with one goal scored and two conceded. Across their three most recent matches they have scored three and conceded two.

AFAD’s attacking threat without a win

AFAD have drawn all three of their games this season, a record that sums up their campaign. They have scored four goals in three matches, but they have also conceded four, so their attack has been productive without being protected. Their away form has been as tight as their home form has been loose: two of their three draws came on home soil, and they have yet to keep a clean sheet.

The match-up is clear. Sfaxien have the more reliable defence, while AFAD have the more reliable route to goal. Whoever imposes their strength first is likely to shape the night.

Their only meeting this campaign

These sides have met once already, with AFAD and Sfaxien sharing a 1-1 draw on 17 October. Neither side found a winner that day, and the result suggests a tight contest where a single moment could decide the tie.

Our prediction

Sfaxien’s home record and their defensive solidity give them the edge, and AFAD’s habit of conceding at both ends means the hosts should find chances. We expect a close, physical game in which Sfaxien’s control at home proves decisive, though AFAD’s scoring ability keeps the contest alive.

CS Sfaxien 2-1 AFAD