Tunisia go welcome Libya for Stade Taïeb Mhiri inside Sfax on Friday, November 13, for Matchday 3 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, with both teams needing a result to steady their Group H campaign.
Tunisia, wey coach Moïne Chaâbani dey handle, don start the qualifiers with two draws. The Eagles of Carthage begin with 1-1 draw against Uganda on September 24, as Adem Arous put dem ahead early before Rogers Mato equalise for Uganda in second half. Four days later, Tunisia drop another two points after 2-2 draw with Botswana, despite Hazem Mastouri scoring two goals.
Those results leave Tunisia third for Group H with two points, same as Botswana and two behind leader Uganda. Libya dey bottom with one point after dem draw 2-2 with Botswana and lose 1-0 to Uganda on September 29, when Arnold Vula score before halftime.
Tunisia go miss Hazem Mastouri, wey score both goals against Botswana, because injury rule am out of both matches against Libya. Coach Moïne Chaâbani don call Mohamed Sadok Kaddida to replace am for attacking options. Tunisia initial 27-man squad include experienced players like Ferjani Sassi, Aïssa Laïdouni, Ali Maaloul and Montassar Talbi.
Libya, under coach Youssef Dabo, still dey search for first victory. The Mediterranean Knights also face late squad problems. Mohamed Al Tabbal of Al Ahly Tripoli no travel to Tunisia because of family emergency, while FC Cincinnati defender Ayoub Al Ajhar no dey available because administrative difficulties affect im international travel. The absences reduce wetin coach Youssef Dabo fit do.
Recent head-to-head favour Tunisia. The Eagles of Carthage win both meetings during 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign, 3-0 for home and 1-0 away. But current Group H table mean both sides need response: Uganda get four points, Botswana and Tunisia get two each, while Libya get one.
Tunisia recent run no dey convincing: one win, four draws and five defeats from last 10 matches. Libya get two wins, six draws and two defeats for same period, and dem don draw six of last 10, so the contest fit tight. Tunisia average 1.0 goal per match and Libya 0.8, but Tunisia defensive average na 3.0 goals conceded while Libya own na 1.0, meaning clean sheet no dey guaranteed.
