Tunisia cancel Mali friendly over injuries and FIFA ranking concerns

Tunisia have cancelled their friendly against Mali, scheduled for 3 October at Rades Stadium, after an injury crisis reduced the number of available players and raised concerns that a poor result could damage their FIFA ranking.

The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed the decision in an official statement, saying it had been taken after discussions with the national team’s coaching staff and in coordination with the Malian Football Federation.

A source close to the Tunisia squad told Reuters on Wednesday that the shortage of fit players was a major factor in calling off the match. The possibility of suffering a result that could affect Tunisia’s position in the FIFA rankings was also taken into account.

Tunisia are currently ranked 61st in the world and had hoped to use the fixture to regain momentum following a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Eagles of Carthage opened Group H with a 1-1 draw against Uganda before drawing 2-2 with Botswana on Monday. Those results have left Tunisia with two points from their first two matches.

Uganda lead the group on four points, while Botswana are second with two points, ahead of Tunisia on goal difference. Libya are bottom with one point.

Uganda’s status as one of the host nations means they have already secured a place at the 2027 finals. As a result, only the winners of the qualifying groups will advance to the tournament.