Tunisia head into the final round of Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knowing that only a composed and disciplined display against Tanzania will keep their tournament alive.
After the completion of the second round of group matches, the Eagles of Carthage no longer hold any chance of finishing top of the group.
Nigeria sealed first place with maximum points, which leaves Tunisia focused on securing qualification through second position or, if necessary, a best third-place route.
The situation remains clear and demanding. Tunisia meet Tanzania on Tuesday with a single priority: avoid defeat.
A victory or a draw guarantees second place in Group C and sends the North African side into the round of 16 without relying on other results.
Anything less risks an early exit from the competition.
Tunisia currently sit second with three points, ahead of Tanzania and Uganda, who both hold one point each.
Nigeria lead the group with six points and already booked their place in the knockout phase.
This table places pressure firmly on Tunisia, but it also gives them control over their destiny.
Defeat against Tanzania would place the Eagles of Carthage in a vulnerable position.
Such a result would open the door for Uganda to overtake them, especially if Uganda manage a positive outcome against Nigeria.
Tunisia would then need to rely on comparisons among the best third-placed teams, a scenario that offers no guarantees at this stage of the tournament.
Qualification paths also carry significant implications for the knockout phase.
Finishing second in Group C sets up a round of 16 clash against the runner-up from Group A, a position still undecided.
Dropping to third place, if qualification follows, would likely bring a far sterner test against continental heavyweights such as Morocco or Egypt.
The Tunisian squad now approach their final group match with clarity and urgency. Experience at this level demands calm decision-making, defensive concentration, and efficiency in key moments. Every duel, pass, and finish carries weight, as the margin for error no longer exists.
AFCON campaigns often hinge on composure under pressure, and Tunisia now stand at that crossroads. Tuesday’s encounter against Tanzania does not promise comfort, but it offers opportunity. How the Eagles of Carthage respond will define whether their journey continues or ends prematurely.
Tags: round of 16, Nigerian Super Eagles, Tanzanian football, African football, tournament qualification
