AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Botswana hold Tunisia in 2-2 draw

Botswana and Tunisia shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw in their second Group H match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Zebras took a surprise lead in the 38th minute when Thatayaone Kgamanyane found the back of the net to put Botswana 1-0 ahead.

Tunisia responded strongly before the break and drew level in the 44th minute through Hazem Mastouri, who restored parity to send the two sides into halftime at 1-1.

The hosts then completed the turnaround shortly after the restart, with Mastouri scoring his second goal of the night in the 49th minute to give Tunisia a 2-1 advantage.

Botswana, however, showed character to fight their way back into the contest.

Lebogang Ditsele brought the visitors level in the 60th minute, making it 2-2 and setting up an intriguing final half-hour.

Both teams pushed for a winning goal as the match entered its closing stages, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough.

The encounter ultimately ended 2-2, with Botswana securing a valuable point away from home while Tunisia were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in their second Group H fixture.

The result keeps the qualification race in the group finely poised as the teams continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON.