Tunisia’s home frustrations continue as Botswana fight back in AFCON 2027 qualifying

Tunisia were held to a second successive draw in the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers after Botswana came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw in Rades.

The result leaves the Carthage Eagles with two points from their opening two matches. Four days after being held 1-1 by Uganda at the same venue, Tunisia again failed to win at the Olympic Stadium Hammadi Agrebi on Monday.

Botswana, ranked 144th in the world, took the lead in the 37th minute. But Hazem Mastouri, selected as the central striker in place of Rayan Elloumi, turned the game around with two goals either side of half-time.

Mastouri levelled in the 44th minute by heading in a cross from Montassar Talbi, who delivered from the left. The Esperance de Tunis forward then put Tunisia ahead four minutes after the restart, reacting quickest to a loose ball on the right side of goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.

Tunisia were unable to hold on to their advantage, however, with Botswana equalising on the hour mark.

The latest setback is likely to intensify criticism from supporters who remain unhappy after Tunisia’s failure at the 2026 World Cup. Among those to express frustration was Nader Ghandri, the 31-year-old defender who has won 20 caps but has not featured for the national team since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following the match, the Swehly player used his official X account to criticise the country’s football leadership indirectly.

Tunisia remain top of Group H alongside Botswana, but could be overtaken if Uganda beat Libya in their meeting.

The Carthage Eagles will next face Mali on 3 October before playing Benin on 6 October. Both matches are scheduled as friendlies.