Tunisia suffer Libya defeat as Bouanga inspires Gabon in AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Tunisia’s difficult run continued as they lost 2-0 at home to Libya in the derby in Sfax, leaving them bottom of their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying group after the third round of matches.

The Aigles de Carthage had drawn both of their opening games but were beaten by a Libya side coached by Senegalese manager Youssouph Dabo. Tunisia dominated possession for long periods without creating enough, and fell behind just before half-time when Ali Maaloul conceded a penalty which Ali Youssef converted in the 45th minute.

The hosts increased the pressure after the interval and thought they had equalised through substitute Ben Slimane, but the goal was ruled out for a disputed offside decision. Libya then doubled their advantage on the counter-attack through the experienced El Houni in the 64th minute.

There appeared to be a possible foul on Ghram at the beginning of the move, with the Tunisia player left on the ground for several minutes receiving treatment, but no offence was given.

El Houni celebrated by displaying his shirt towards the frustrated home supporters, who responded by throwing bottles and later setting off flares on the pitch. Tunisia’s players and staff also confronted Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq, who was escorted from the stadium as a precaution.

Tunisia are bottom with Uganda and Botswana still to play. The result also raises questions over whether coach Mouine Chaabani will remain in charge for Monday’s return fixture. Libya are provisionally joint leaders.

South Africa also dropped points after conceding a 90th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 home draw with Kenya, managed by former South Africa forward Benni McCarthy. The result allowed Guinea to move within one point of the leaders in Group D after their 2-1 victory over Eritrea on Thursday. Only one team from the group will qualify for AFCON 2027.

Burkina Faso left it even later to secure victory, with Elohim Kabore scoring in the 94th minute to beat Mauritania 1-0 in Ouagadougou. Kabore was set up by Arsene Kouassi, and the win moved the Etalons level with Benin at the top of Group F. Mauritania are third, four points further back.

Gabon claimed a valuable 2-0 home win over Lesotho, with Denis Bouanga scoring twice in the 65th and 79th minutes. His first goal came after he had seen a penalty hit the post. The victory moved the Panthers level with Morocco at the top of their group.

Cape Verde finally collected their first points by beating Liberia 4-2 in Praia. Ayoni Santos, Jose Tavares, Dailon Livramento and Derensili Sanches Fernandes scored in the fifth, 38th, 43rd and 90th-plus-one minutes respectively. The Blue Sharks moved to within three points of Mali and Rwanda, who meet later.

Nigeria recovered from their defeat by Guinea-Bissau with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania, helped by two goals from Tolu Arokodare of Ajax, strengthening their position in second place in Group L.