Club Africain secured the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title for the 2025-2026 season with a dramatic 1-0 win over rivals Espérance Sportive de Tunis, marked by a contentious late goal. 
The decisive strike came from Ghaith Zaalouni in the 90+16th minute, following a swift counter-attack. Zaalouni received the ball on the edge of the box and fired into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Club Africain players and fans.
The match’s final moments were intense, as Espérance players vehemently appealed for a penalty after the ball struck the hand of a Club Africain defender inside the area. The referee, however, waved play on. 
The ball then rebounded into a counter-attack, leading to the winning goal. Espérance’s coaching staff and players protested the decision, arguing that the goal should not have stood without a penalty check. The referee consulted VAR to review the handball incident and the validity of the goal.
After reviewing the footage with the video assistant referees, the on-field referee confirmed the goal was valid and rejected the penalty claim, handing Club Africain the league title in a highly controversial fashion.
