Tunisia’s U23s face Gabon test on route to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

The Tunisia Olympic team will face Gabon on 12 and 17 November in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-23, which will be held in Egypt.

The first leg will take place at Stade olympique de Sousse, with the return match in Franceville. The tie is a significant test for Anis Boujelbene’s side as they attempt to continue their pursuit of a place in the continental finals.

Tunisia’s squad includes players from the domestic league as well as young footballers based in Europe and North America. Several members of the group have already gained valuable international experience after reaching two finals in recent months.

In June 2026, Tunisia finished top of their group at the Maurice Revello Tournament in France with seven points, following victories over DR Congo and China. The Aiglons progressed to the final, where they were beaten 2-0 by Portugal U20 and finished runners-up.

Much of the same generation then featured for Tunisia U21 at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. They defeated Italy 3-1 in the semi-finals before losing 2-0 to Algeria in the final to claim the silver medal.

Those results have highlighted the development of a group capable of competing with strong opposition, while several players have broadened their experience by playing abroad.

Omar Ben Ali, who plays for Alanyaspor in Turkey, is one of the players attracting attention. Rayan Elloumi adds another international dimension from his position at Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada.

In Belgium, Beerschot VA player Anas Haj Mohamed is regarded as another promising member of the squad, with his technique, movement and attacking ability providing further options. Tunisia also have Nacim Dendani of RFC Liege and Dhirar Brik, who plays for FC Sudtirol in Italy.

In midfield, Mohamed Rayane Anane of Etoile Sportive du Sahel is another important member of the team.

Former Tunisia international and former Olympique Lyonnais player Rafik Boujedra believes the group has the potential to become an important part of the national team’s future. He points to the two finals reached in a short period as evidence of the players’ quality and their ability to perform against high-level opponents.

Boujedra also highlights the complementary profiles of Anas Haj Mohamed, Dhirar Brik, Omar Ben Ali and Nacim Dendani. However, he believes the next challenge is to provide the players with continuity, support their development and help them progress towards senior-level football.

Gabon, coached by Saturnin Ibela, will begin the tie after receiving a bye in the first round. Their preparations have included a training camp focused partly on assessing the physical condition of players from the domestic league. Ibela has expressed confidence in his squad and his ambition to build a competitive team.

Tunisia will view the home leg as an opportunity to establish an advantage before the difficult journey to Franceville, where the Gabonese crowd could influence the second match.

For Boujelbene’s players, the tie offers a chance to turn encouraging performances in youth tournaments into progress in an official African competition. The next step is to translate their promise into qualification against Gabon.