January 27, 2026

Experience Gained Despite Challenges as Reysol End Fifth, Étoile du Sahel Sixth

Kashiwa Reysol finished the tournament in fifth place after defeating Étoile du Sahel, with the competition providing valuable experience against strong opposition. The Japanese side showed a solid performance throughout the match, although the final scoreline was wider than the balance of play for long periods, as Étoile du Sahel remained competitive and pushed to get back into the game.


The tournament also marked a significant moment for Kashiwa Reysol’s head coach Ibuki Toda, who previously participated in the event as a player in 2019 and returned this time in a coaching role.
Étoile du Sahel’s campaign was affected by injuries and physical fatigue, but the team still benefited from the experience gained.
 The Tunisian side was forced to cope without six first-team players during the competition, which played a role in their inability to finish among the top four.
Despite the challenges, the tournament proved important for player development, particularly for younger players seeking exposure against high-level opponents and opportunities to improve both technically and physically.

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