Tunisia Eyes First Win Against Botswana in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
- Tunisia national team coach Moئن Chebani stated that his squad must win its match against Botswana on Monday to recover lost ground in the 2027 Africa Cup of...
- During a press conference on Sunday, Chebani described the match as a confrontation against a direct competitor.
- “We lost two points against Uganda, and we must recover them as soon as possible.”
Tunisia national team coach Moئن Chebani stated that his squad must win its match against Botswana on Monday to recover lost ground in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Tunisia enters the second round of Group 8 with one point following a 1-1 draw against Uganda, while Botswana also holds one point after a 2-2 draw with Libya.
The match takes place at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès.
During a press conference on Sunday, Chebani described the match as a confrontation against a direct competitor. He noted that Botswana demonstrated an ability to disrupt its opponent during the first round against Libya.
Regarding the team’s current standing, Chebani said:
“We lost two points against Uganda, and we must recover them as soon as possible.”
Moئن Chebani
The coach confirmed that his tactical selections will depend on the capabilities of the opponent, emphasizing that Tunisia’s primary focus remains on its direct rivals in the group, Botswana and Libya.
Player Availability and Injury Updates
Chebani announced that Alaâ Ghram will not participate in the match against Botswana. Despite a medical report from the player’s club suggesting he was ready, national team medical examinations revealed risks that made his participation too dangerous, according to the coach.
Issa Aïdouni is returning to training gradually after suffering from a high fever on the eve of the Uganda match. Chebani stated that Aïdouni’s readiness will be evaluated before the kickoff on Monday.
Eremnews.com reports that the technical staff has settled on a probable starting lineup featuring Aymen Dahman in goal; a defense consisting of Moataz Nefati, Adam Arrous, Montaser Talbi, and Ali Maaloul; a midfield of Issa Aidouni, Ferjani Sassi, Elias Achouri, and Ismail Gharbi; and an attack led by Sebastian Tonctie and Hazem Mastouri.
Squad Unity and Support for Aymen Dahman
Veteran player Ali Maaloul addressed the need for internal solidarity following events surrounding goalkeeper Aymen Dahman during the match against Uganda. Maaloul stated that the players discussed the incident after the game and that the group has shown significant support for Dahman.
Maaloul described the national team as “one family,” asserting that any issue affecting one player impacts the entire group. He called on Tunisian fans to support the team while the players are representing the national colors, stating that the interests of the national team must supersede all other considerations.
Group 8 Schedule and AFCON 2027 Path
Tunisia’s journey in the qualifiers continues in November during the international break, when the team will face Libya in both home and away fixtures for the third and fourth rounds.
The group stage will conclude between March 24 and March 30, 2027, with Tunisia scheduled to play away against Uganda and host Botswana. The final tournament for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.