Etoile du Sahel President Makes Surprise Decision After Shock Loss to Nairobi United

Zoubeir Baya has resigned as Etoile du Sahel president.

Etoile du Sahel President Makes Surprise Decision After Shock Loss to Nairobi United

Joel Omotto 09:31 - 28.10.2025

Nairobi United’s historic win over 11-time Tunisian giants has led to a massive shakeup at the club with the president forced to make a painful decision.

Zoubeir Baya has resigned from his position as president of Tunisian powerhouse Etoile du Sahel, submitting his official notice to the club on Monday.

The Tunisian football icon's decision to step down follows a turbulent start to the 2025-26 season, which hit a low point with the club's shocking elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.

Etoile du Sahel was knocked out by Kenyan side Nairobi United in a penalty shootout after the final qualifying round tie ended in a 2-2 aggregate draw.

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The club's struggles extend beyond continental competition. Domestically, Etoile, home to Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija, currently languishes in 12th place in the Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle, having secured just nine points from their first ten matches.

Etoile du Sahel President Follows Coach Out the Door

Their record includes only two wins against three draws and five losses. Earlier this month, these poor results led to the dismissal of coach Lassaad Dridi, with Mohamed Ali Nafkha currently serving as caretaker manager.

Baya is one of the most celebrated players in Tunisian football history. The former attacking midfielder represented his country at two FIFA World Cups and was named to the Team of the Tournament at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, where Tunisia finished as runners-up.

During his playing career, he had stints with Germany's SC Freiburg and Turkish giants Besiktas, but he is most known for his time at Etoile du Sahel, where he made over 200 appearances.

In the wake of their Confederation Cup elimination, Etoile's board convened an emergency meeting on Monday to address the team's unacceptable results and ongoing financial issues.

The 11-time Tunisian champions face a demanding schedule, with four league matches in the next eleven days, starting with an away fixture against AS Marsa on Wednesday.