Tunisia left it late but secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Malawi in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday, thanks to two goals in the final minutes in Tunis.
The Carthage Eagles struggled to break down a determined Malawian defense but found salvation through substitute forward Seifeddine Jaziri, who headed home in the 87th minute. Elias Achouri then sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty, preventing what would have been an embarrassing setback for the hosts.
Malawi nearly took the lead before halftime when Richard Mbulu’s headed pass found Lloyd Njaliwa unmarked just two yards from goal. However, in a bizarre moment, Njaliwa’s header struck the crossbar before rebounding off his face and getting cleared.
The Flames started the second half brightly, with goalkeeper William Thole producing several outstanding saves to keep Tunisia at bay. However, their hopes took a hit in the 64th minute when midfielder Lloyd Aaron received a second yellow card, leaving Malawi with 10 men and forced to defend deep.
Tunisia’s pressure finally paid off when Achouri’s cross was inadvertently flicked on by a Malawian defender, allowing Zamalek striker Jaziri to nod in at the far post. Achouri then calmly converted a late penalty to secure the win. Malawi had a chance to pull one back in the dying moments after earning a penalty of their own, but Richard Mbulu’s effort was brilliantly saved by Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
The victory extends Tunisia’s lead at the top of Group H, now sitting four points clear of second-placed Namibia, while Malawi remains in fifth place with six points.
