Caf bans Sfaxien fans against Shooting Stars

CS Sfaxien has received a surprising blow ahead of their match against Shooting Stars in the second leg of the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, as it has been decided that the match will be held without fans due to a previous sanction from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Sfaxien are set to resume training on Tuesday, preparing for their match against Shooting Stars scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Taïeb Mhiri Stadium. The team is looking to make up for their loss by a goal to nil in the first leg that took place on Saturday at the Abiola Stadium in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

The Nigerian team secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, thanks to a goal from striker Lucky in the 25th minute. In a match where the hosts clearly dominated, Sfaxien must win by more than one goal to ensure their progression to the second round.

A source within the club revealed that the absence of fans from the return leg comes as a result of a punishment dating back to the season before last, after CAF had imposed on Sfaxien to play two matches without the presence of fans, with one of the matches suspended on the condition that incidents of violence and chaos do not recur.

According to reports close to the club, the Confederation of African Football has activated the suspended penalty related to the riots that occurred during the match between Sfaxien and Angolan side Bravos do Maquis at the Stade Taïeb Mhiri in 2024, forcing the team to play their match against Shooting Stars behind closed doors, in the second and final match of the penalty.

The decision has shocked Sfaxien fans who were looking forward to supporting their team at the Stade Taïeb Mhiri during the return leg, in an attempt to compensate for the first leg result and secure qualification to the second round, continuing the team's journey in the competition they have won four times, making them the most successful club in its history.