Tanzania and Tunisia face off in a decisive Group C encounter at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, with the second automatic qualification spot for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage firmly on the line.
The Taifa Stars come into the contest boosted by a gritty 1-1 draw against Uganda, while Tunisia are under pressure after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Nigeria, a result that has left little room for error.
Match Preview
Tanzania Dare to Dream of History
Tanzania’s AFCON campaign began with a predictable 2-1 loss to Nigeria, but that setback did not derail their ambitions. Knowing a response was required to keep their hopes alive, the Taifa Stars produced a disciplined display to earn a valuable point against neighbours Uganda.
That draw leaves Tanzania third in Group C with one point, but crucially, in control of their destiny. Victory over Tunisia would secure a historic first-ever qualification to the AFCON round of 16, a landmark moment for the East African nation.
Head coach Hemed Suleiman will, however, be wary of the challenge ahead. Tanzania are winless in their last nine matches, and overcoming a seasoned Tunisia side will require maximum concentration, discipline and belief.
Tunisia Seek Redemption After Nigerian Setback
Tunisia arrive in Rabat looking to bounce back from a sobering defeat to Nigeria, a match in which they were outplayed for long spells and found themselves 3-0 down before a late rally made the scoreline more respectable.
Despite that loss, the Carthage Eagles’ overall form remains solid, with just two defeats in their last 11 matches across all competitions. Qualification is straightforward for Sami Trabelsi’s side—win and advance.
The memory of their group-stage exit at AFCON 2023 still lingers, and Tunisia will be desperate to avoid a repeat. However, defensive lapses remain a concern, with the North Africans managing just one clean sheet in their last nine games.
Team News
Tanzania
Tanzania could adopt a cautious, midfield-heavy approach, aimed at disrupting Tunisia’s rhythm and limiting space between the lines.
Suleiman may deploy five midfielders, with Simon Msuva, Novatus Miroshi, Salum Feisal, Tarryn Allarakhia and Alphonce Msanga all in contention to start.
Up front, Kelvin John, who plays his club football in Sweden, is expected to lead the line as a lone striker.
Tunisia
Tunisia are unlikely to make wholesale changes despite their defeat to Nigeria. Goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen retains the trust of the coaching staff, while Hannibal Mejbri—one of the standout performers last time out—should again feature prominently in midfield.
There is, however, concern over Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who picked up an injury in the previous match and remains doubtful.
Possible Lineups
Tanzania:
Foba; Hussein, Hamad, Nwamnyeto, Mnoga; Msuva, Msanga, Salum, Miroshi, Allarakhia; John
Tunisia:
Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi; Sassi, Mejbri, Skhiri; Achouri, Mastouri, Tounekti
Form Guide
Tanzania (AFCON): L, D
Tanzania (All Competitions): L, L, L, L, L, D
Tunisia (AFCON): W, L
Tunisia (All Competitions): L, D, W, W, W, L
Prediction
Tanzania 0–2 Tunisia
Tanzania are expected to sit deep and attempt to frustrate Tunisia, but sustained pressure from the Carthage Eagles could eventually tell. With greater quality across the pitch and more experience in high-stakes AFCON matches, Tunisia are favourites to edge this contest.
A controlled performance and two well-taken chances should be enough to seal progression, ending Tanzania’s fairytale run just short of history.
