Tunisia suffered their heaviest home defeat in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying as they lost 2-0 to Libya in Friday’s Group H meeting, leaving them without a win from their opening three matches on the road to the 2027 tournament.
The result was one of the round’s biggest surprises and extended Tunisia’s difficult start, while giving Libya a valuable victory in the race for qualification.
It was the first time Tunisia had lost a home qualifying match for the Africa Cup of Nations by a two-goal margin. They also fell two goals behind at home for the first time in the history of their appearances in the competition’s qualifiers.
Tunisia had not previously suffered a defeat by two goals in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying for more than 25 years. Their last such result came on 24 March 2001, when they were beaten 2-0 by Morocco in Rabat.
The defeat also produced the worst start in Tunisia’s history in continental qualifying. They have taken only two points from a possible nine, following draws against Uganda and Botswana before Friday’s loss.
Libya strike in each half
Libya took the lead in the 44th minute after Ali Maaloul was penalised for a challenge on Libya forward Moayed Issa. Ali Youssef converted the resulting penalty to put the visitors ahead shortly before half-time.
Tunisia attempted to respond after the interval but were caught by a swift Libya counter-attack in the 62nd minute. Hamdou Elhouni completed the move with a shot into the net to double the advantage.
The Carthage Eagles tried to reduce the deficit, but the Mediterranean Knights held on to claim an important win at Taieb Mhiri Stadium in Sfax.
The result increases the pressure on Tunisia head coach Mouine Chaabani, who was appointed in an effort to restore stability following a difficult period of poor results and repeated changes to the coaching staff.
Tunisia opened their Group H campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uganda and then drew 2-2 with Botswana, dropping four points before Friday’s defeat.
Their qualification task is made more difficult by the structure of the group. Uganda, one of the hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania, have qualified automatically. That leaves one qualification place for Tunisia, Libya and Botswana to contest.
Friday’s defeat is particularly damaging because it came against a direct rival for that remaining place.
Tunisia and Libya will meet again in the fourth round in Libya next Tuesday. The return fixture is a crucial opportunity for Tunisia to halt their slide and prevent themselves from falling further behind in the qualification race.
