Tunisia left it late but secured a vital 2-0 victory over a resilient Malawi side, strengthening their position at the top of Group H in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
The Carthage Eagles faced a tough challenge from Malawi’s disciplined defense but found the breakthrough in the closing stages.
Seifeddine Jaziri, introduced in the 78th minute, made an instant impact by heading home the opener in the 86th minute. Elias Achouri then sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty, ensuring Tunisia took maximum points.
Malawi had frustrated Tunisia for most of the contest, with goalkeeper William Thole delivering a standout performance.
However, Jaziri repaid his coach Sami Trabelsi’s faith, timing his run perfectly to connect with a cross and break the deadlock.
In stoppage time, Achouri converted from the spot after Malawi conceded a penalty while pushing for an equalizer.
The drama wasn’t over yet, as Malawi were awarded a late penalty of their own, but Aymen Dahmen guessed correctly to deny Richard Mbulu, preserving Tunisia’s clean sheet.
With the win, Tunisia moved to 13 points from five games, extending their lead to four points over second-placed Namibia, who earlier played to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Ethiopia’s resurgence in Group A has kept their World Cup hopes alive, while Riyad Mahrez’s milestone 100th cap for Algeria continues to make waves in North African football.
Meanwhile, in Group B, Sudan’s impressive campaign continued as they battled to a 0-0 draw against heavyweights Senegal in Benghazi, maintaining their grip at the top of the standings.
