Unbeaten Tunisia will look to strengthen their grip on a 2026 World Cup berth when they host Malawi in a Group H qualifier at the 7 November Stadium on Monday night in the Matchday six games.
The Eagles of Carthage currently top the group, holding a two-point lead over second-placed Namibia at the halfway stage.
A win against the Flames would mark their fifth victory in six matches and move them closer to securing their spot at the global tournament.
Despite a mixed Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign—where they finished second in a group featuring Comoros, The Gambia, and Madagascar—Tunisia has been dominant in World Cup qualifying, boasting an airtight defense and clinical finishing.
Sami Trabelsi, who returned as head coach in February for a second stint, began his tenure with a narrow 1-0 victory over Liberia, ensuring Tunisia remained at the summit of Group H.
That result extended their defensive record, with the North Africans yet to concede a goal in this campaign.
Tunisia has now gone eight matches unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, dating back to their 1-0 loss against Equatorial Guinea in November 2021.
Even more impressively, they have recorded seven consecutive clean sheets, a streak they will aim to extend against Malawi.
Malawi’s Struggles and an Uphill Battle
Kalisto Pasuwa’s Malawi side has faced back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Namibia and Equatorial Guinea, stalling their hopes of competing for a top-two finish.
They had initially started strong with two wins from three games but lost the reverse fixture to Tunisia in Lilongwe.
Now trailing Tunisia by seven points, the Flames must pull off an upset to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
A loss in Tunis would widen the gap to 10 points, all but extinguishing their chances of a first-ever World Cup appearance.
History is also against the visitors, as they have lost two of their last three visits to Tunisia—including a crushing 7-0 defeat in March 2005. However, they did manage a 2-2 draw in their last trip for AFCON qualifying in 2010, a result they would gladly take again.
Key Players Missing and Ones to Watch
Tunisia will be without Youssef Msakni, who scored the winner against Malawi in their previous meeting. This absence forces the North Africans to look elsewhere for attacking inspiration.
Hazem Mestouri, who netted early in the win over Liberia, will be eager to step up, while Hannibal Mejbri continues his search for a first international goal after 31 appearances.
Malawi also has a significant absentee in Chifundo Mphasi, their standout performer in qualifying with three goal involvements.
In his absence, Chawanangwa Kaonga is likely to lead the line, with Lanjesi Nkhoma providing width in attack.
Probable Lineups
Tunisia: Dahmen; Ghorbel, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi; Ltaief, Laidouni, Slimane; Hannibal; Mestouri, Sliti
Malawi: Thole; Chirwa, Petro, Chembezi, Lungu; Mwaungulu, Singo, Aaron, Nkhoma; Kaonga, Mhango
With Tunisia in commanding form and boasting a resolute defense, Malawi faces an uphill task in securing a result.
Can the Flames defy the odds, or will the Eagles of Carthage continue their march towards the 2026 World Cup?
