Tunisia’s U20 women’s team earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Togo in Lomé on Sunday, in the opening leg of their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
The tightly contested fixture at Kégué Stadium marked the start of the first-round qualifiers for both nations, as they look to secure a place in the global tournament set to be hosted in Poland.
Tunisia struck first, but were unable to hold onto their lead as Togo fought back early in the second half to level the encounter.
Midfielder Tasnim Zreli handed the visitors the lead in the 31st minute with a well-taken goal, capitalising on Tunisia’s dominant spell of possession during the opening half.
However, just two minutes after the break, Togo found a swift response through Abigail Aawil, whose equaliser restored balance and shifted momentum in favour of the home side.
Despite both teams creating chances in the remaining minutes, neither was able to find a decisive breakthrough.
Tunisia’s organised defence held firm under growing pressure from the Togolese attack, while the hosts remained wary of the visitors’ pace on the counter.
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg, which will be played on Sunday, 18 May, at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse.
With away goals not applying as a tiebreaker under current CAF regulations, both sides will enter the second leg with everything to play for.
The match in Lomé reflected the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa, particularly at youth level, where teams are showing improved technical and tactical discipline.
Tunisia will take encouragement from their ability to earn a draw away from home, but they will know that a strong performance on home soil will be required to progress.
For Togo, the draw at home was a missed opportunity to take a lead into the second leg, but their second-half resilience and attacking ambition offer positives ahead of the trip to North Africa.
The winner of the tie will advance to the next round of qualifying, bringing them one step closer to a place at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, which will feature the top young talent from across the globe in 2026.
