Gambia delivered a shock 1-0 victory over Tunisia in their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match on the Carthage Eagles’ home turf. The result, though inconsequential for the Scorpions’ qualification hopes, marked a spirited performance in the sixth and final round of qualifiers.
Abdoulie Ceesay’s decisive goal in the 17th minute proved to be the difference.
The forward latched onto an inch-perfect assist from Musa Barrow, slotting the ball past the Tunisian goalkeeper with precision.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Tunisia failed to break through a resolute Gambian defense.
The hosts were repeatedly frustrated by their lack of finishing and Gambia’s well-organized backline, which absorbed pressure and denied any clear scoring opportunities.
The Carthage Eagles, already qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, struggled to find rhythm in front of their home crowd.
A series of attempts, including close-range efforts in both halves, were either off-target or thwarted by Gambian goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye, who delivered a stellar performance.
Tunisia’s inability to capitalize on their chances was emblematic of the challenges they have faced in recent outings.
The defeat has heightened concerns over their form heading into the tournament, as memories of their early exit in the previous edition in Ivory Coast loom large.
For Gambia, the win offered a moment of pride and consolation despite their failure to qualify for the tournament in Morocco.
The Scorpions showcased determination and tactical discipline, earning praise for their spirited performance against a stronger Tunisian side.
Abdoulie Ceesay’s goal and the team’s overall resilience highlighted Gambia’s potential, even in the absence of AFCON qualification.
While Gambia can take solace in their impressive win, Tunisia faces mounting pressure to regroup and address their vulnerabilities before the AFCON finals.
The Carthage Eagles will need to refine their attack and improve consistency if they hope to advance beyond the group stage in Morocco.
This unexpected defeat serves as a wake-up call for Tunisia, while Gambia departs the qualifiers with heads held high after an inspiring end to their campaign.
