Tunisia’s under-23 national team will face Egypt in two international friendlies next month as both sides continue preparations for the upcoming 2025 Arab Cup of Nations.
The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday that the matches will take place on 6 and 9 September at the Al Ismailia Stadium in Egypt.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 and 21:30 local time respectively.
These encounters are viewed as key tests for both nations, providing valuable opportunities to fine-tune their squads ahead of the regional competition in December.
Tunisia is expected to enter the Arab Cup with its U23 selection, with the games in Egypt giving head coach and staff an early chance to assess the team’s readiness.
Egypt, who will also be involved in the tournament, are expected to use the matches to evaluate younger talents and strengthen tactical cohesion.
For both sides, the focus will be on blending domestic prospects with overseas-based players in order to build a competitive unit capable of challenging for honours later this year.
The decision to hold the matches in Ismailia underlines the Egyptian Football Association’s intent to provide a strong home setting for its players, while also testing Tunisia in what is likely to be a lively atmosphere.
The venue, known for hosting key fixtures at club and international level, is expected to attract significant local interest.
The Tunisian federation highlighted the importance of these friendlies in their official statement, noting that the games form part of a wider preparation plan.
With limited windows available before the Arab Cup, the September fixtures could prove crucial in identifying areas that require further improvement.
For Tunisia, the matches also present an opportunity to give playing time to emerging stars and strengthen the pool of players who may feature prominently in the December competition.
Several members of the squad are expected to be drawn from the domestic league, with others currently developing their careers abroad.
Egypt, on the other hand, will be eager to showcase the depth of its youth system, which has produced several players now excelling at senior international level.
The double-header offers a platform to test their adaptability against a side regarded as one of North Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.
Both encounters are expected to be competitive, despite their friendly status, as Tunisia and Egypt look to lay down early markers before December’s Arab Cup.
With kick-off times set in the evening, the games should unfold in conditions favourable to high-tempo football, further adding to their value as preparation fixtures.
The September clashes will provide an early glimpse of how both teams are shaping up, with the performances likely to be closely watched as anticipation builds for the Arab Cup.
