Tunisia held again in CAN 2027 qualifying

Tunisia’s effort to recover from a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign has begun with another setback in the race for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Carthage Eagles have drawn their first two qualifying matches, leaving them without a victory at the start of the campaign and under pressure to improve their results.

Four days after a 1-1 draw with Uganda, Tunisia failed to win at home against Botswana in a 2-2 encounter. Botswana took the lead in the 37th minute when Thatayaone Kgamanyane found the net. Tunisia responded before the interval, with Hazem Mastouri heading in an equaliser in the 44th minute.

Mastouri completed his double four minutes after the restart, moving Tunisia in front in the 49th minute. The advantage did not last. Botswana drew level in the 60th minute when Lebogang Ditsele lifted the ball over goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.

The latest draw leaves Tunisia with two points from its opening two matches, after identical failures to turn home opportunities into victories. The team has also been unable to hold a lead against Botswana, adding to the concern raised by the earlier draw with Uganda. Tunisia’s opening form gives the Carthage Eagles little margin for further dropped points as their bid to reach the 2027 tournament develops.