Second tier side AS Marsa fought valiantly but could not overcome an opportunistic CS Sfaxien side on Saturday in the 2021-22 Coupe de Tunisie final as the first division side scored twice in the opening half hour to secure a 2-0 victory at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi. Hazem Haj-Hassen opened the scoring in the 9th minute before Abdallah Amri doubled the lead to give CSS their second consecutive domestic cup trophy and third in the last four editions. CSS will now turn their attention to the 2022-23 CAF Confederation Cup where they will face the winner between Ethiopian club Fasil Kenema and Burundi’s Bumamuru FC in the second preliminary round.
AS Marsa came out with an attacking approach and attempted to take the match to the heavy favorites. However, after CSS goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen capably dealt with a couple of crosses into his penalty area the Sfax club took the lead before ten minutes elapsed. The Marsa defense failed to clear a bouncing long ball and Haj-Hassen latched on to the loose ball before firing past the advancing Marsa keeper to put CSS in the lead.
The second tier side struggled to recover from conceding early and CSS began to apply consistent pressure. After Marsa managed to keep out a couple of attacks it was Haj-Hassen who set up the second goal for CSS in the 28th minute. The former Girondins Bordeaux reserve team player darted past a couple of Marsa defenders and was able to cut in from the right wing where his shot attempt was denied by the Marsa goalkeeper at close range. However, the rebound popped out to Amri for an easy finish and CSS were on their way to victory.
Highlights from Saturday’s final are below.
