Tunisia’s difficult start to the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign continued as they lost 2-0 at home to Libya in Sfax, while Denis Bouanga scored twice to give Gabon victory over Lesotho.
The defeat leaves the Carthage Eagles bottom of their group after three matches, having drawn their opening two games. Tunisia controlled much of the derby but lacked attacking sharpness and fell behind just before half-time when Ali Youssef converted a penalty after a foul by Ali Maaloul.
The hosts appeared to have equalised after the break when substitute Ben Slimane found the net, but the goal was disallowed for a contentious offside decision. Libya then doubled their advantage on the counter-attack through the experienced El Houni in the 64th minute.
The goal came after Tunisia’s Ghram had been left on the ground receiving treatment, with a possible foul in the build-up not penalised. El Houni celebrated by displaying his shirt towards the frustrated home supporters, who responded by throwing bottles and later setting off flares on the pitch.
Tunisian players and staff also confronted Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq after the final whistle. He was escorted from the field as a precaution. Uganda and Botswana have yet to play, while Libya are provisionally joint top under Senegalese coach Youssouph Dabo.
Tunisia manager Mouine Chaabani now faces uncertainty over whether he will still be in charge for Monday’s return fixture.
South Africa also dropped points after conceding a 90th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 home draw with Kenya, managed by former South Africa international Benni McCarthy. The result allowed Guinea to move within one point of the group D leaders after their 2-1 win over Eritrea on Thursday. Only one place in the group leads to CAN 2027.
Burkina Faso left it even later to claim a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in Ouagadougou. Elohim Kabore scored in the 94th minute after being set up by Arsene Kouassi, moving the Stallions level with Benin at the top of group F. Mauritania remain third, four points behind the leading pair.
Gabon moved provisionally level with Morocco at the summit after beating Lesotho 2-0 at home. Bouanga struck in the 65th and 79th minutes, although his opening goal came after he had initially hit the post with a penalty.
Cape Verde finally collected their first points by defeating Liberia 4-2 in Praia. Ayoni Santos, Jose Tavares, Dailon Livramento and Derensili Sanches Fernandes scored for the Blue Sharks, who moved to within three points of Mali and Rwanda before their evening meeting.
Nigeria recovered from their loss to Guinea Bissau with a 3-1 win against Tanzania. Tolu Arokodare of Ajax scored twice as Nigeria strengthened their position in second place in group L.
