2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup: CS Sfaxien Overturn Shooting Stars’ Advantage to End Continental Return

Posted : 14 September 2026

Shooting Stars’ long-awaited return to continental football ended in disappointment on Sunday as CS Sfaxien overturned their first-leg deficit with a 2-0 victory in Sfax to advance in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Tunisian side showed greater urgency on home soil, recovering from a 1-0 defeat in the first leg to win 2-1 on aggregate and book their place in the second preliminary round.

Shooting Stars entered the second leg with a slender advantage after securing a memorable victory at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta a week earlier.

That result had raised hopes of a successful return to continental competition for the Oluyole Warriors, who were appearing in Africa for the first time in 27 years.

However, the advantage quickly became a burden as CS Sfaxien took control of the return fixture.

The hosts applied pressure from the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Iyed Belwafi found the net to cancel Shooting Stars’ first-leg advantage and restore parity on aggregate.

With the tie level, Shooting Stars needed to respond, but CS Sfaxien continued to dictate the tempo and restrict the Nigerian side’s attacking opportunities.

The hosts’ persistence paid off again in the 67th minute when Belwafi struck for the second time, completing his brace and putting Sfaxien 2-0 ahead on the night.

The goal left Shooting Stars needing to score at least once to keep their continental campaign alive, but the Nigerian side could not find the opening they needed.

Shooting Stars pushed forward as the minutes ticked away, yet CS Sfaxien’s disciplined defensive organisation frustrated their attempts to force a late comeback.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for the Tunisian club and a 2-1 aggregate triumph, bringing Shooting Stars’ continental adventure to an abrupt end.

For the Nigerian club, the result represents a disappointing conclusion to a historic return, particularly after establishing a first-leg advantage.

CS Sfaxien, meanwhile, advance with the confidence of having overturned the deficit and will now prepare for the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup: CS Sfaxien Overturn Shooting Stars’ Advantage to End Continental Return

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