Tunisia suffer historic home defeat by Libya in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Tunisia’s troubled start to the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers took a new turn as they suffered a historic 2-0 home defeat by Libya in Friday’s Group H fixture.

The result was Libya’s first win of the campaign and one of the biggest surprises of the third round of matches. For Tunisia, it represented the heaviest defeat they have ever suffered at home in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

It was also the first time Tunisia had fallen two goals behind in a home match during their history in the competition’s qualifiers.

The loss ended a run of more than 25 years in which Tunisia had not been beaten by a two-goal margin in qualifying. Their previous defeat by the same scoreline came on 24 March 2001, when they lost to Morocco in Rabat.

The result also gave Tunisia their worst-ever start to an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. They have failed to win any of their opening three matches for the first time, drawing twice and losing once to collect only two points from a possible nine.

Libya take control in Sfax

Libya took the lead just before half-time when Ali Youssef converted a penalty in the 44th minute. The spot-kick was awarded after Ali Maaloul’s challenge on Libya forward Moayed Issa.

Tunisia attempted to respond after the interval, but Libya made the most of the space left in the home side’s defence. Hamdou Elhouni doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 62nd minute, finishing a rapid counter-attack with a shot into the net.

The Eagles of Carthage continued to look for a way back into the game, but the Knights of the Mediterranean protected their lead and secured a valuable victory at Taieb Mhiri Stadium in Sfax.

The defeat increases the pressure on Tunisia manager Moin 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 began their Group H campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uganda before drawing 2-2 with Botswana. Those results had already cost them four points before Libya inflicted their first defeat.

Their qualifying position is complicated further by the structure of the group. Uganda are one of the tournament’s hosts, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, and have therefore secured automatic qualification. That leaves only one additional qualification place for Tunisia, Libya and Botswana to contest.

Libya’s victory carries added significance because they are direct rivals for that remaining place.

The two teams will meet again in Libya next Tuesday in the fourth round of matches. The return fixture will be an important opportunity for Tunisia to improve their position and prevent themselves from falling further behind in the race to qualify.