Libya move top of qualifying group after landmark win over Tunisia

Libya moved temporarily to the top of their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying group with a historic 2-0 victory over Tunisia on Friday.

Ali Youssef converted a first-half penalty before Hamdou Elhouni added a second after the break, giving Libya four points from three matches. Tunisia dropped to fourth in the group with two points.

The hosts appealed for a penalty in the 27th minute after claiming the ball had struck a Libyan hand, but the referee waved play on.

Tunisia then came close to opening the scoring seven minutes later when Seif Allah Latif met a cross and struck a powerful shot towards goal. Libya goalkeeper Ayman Al-Tayhar reacted well to turn the effort behind for a corner.

Tunisia’s experienced left-back Ali Maaloul was penalised shortly before half-time after pulling down a Libyan player during a counter-attack. The referee awarded Libya a penalty and Youssef sent the goalkeeper the wrong way in the 44th minute.

Tunisia appeared to have found an equaliser in the 58th minute. Ben Hamouda’s powerful shot was saved by Ben Slimane, who turned the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Libya doubled their advantage two minutes later on the counter. Seif Jaddour delivered an excellent pass to Elhouni, who finished with a powerful strike past Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to make it 2-0.

Elhouni’s celebration further frustrated the home supporters as he removed his shirt after scoring.

The result marks a significant moment in the history of Libya’s rivalry with Tunisia, as Libya had never previously beaten Tunisia when playing away from home.

The two teams will meet again in Libya on 17 November, when the fourth round of qualifying takes place. That match could prove important in determining which side is best placed to claim the group’s qualification place.

Tunisia have a stronger record in the Africa Cup of Nations, having won the tournament once in 2004 when they hosted it. They have also reached the finals on 22 occasions.

Libya’s best performance came in 1982, when they reached the final on home soil. They lost to Ghana on penalties.

The victory gives Libya a valuable advantage in the group, while Tunisia must now recover quickly before the return fixture on 17 November.