Tunisia and Sao Tome & Principe open their CAF World Cup qualifiers with a clash at Stade Olympique Hammabi Agrebi on Friday evening.
Following recent defeats, both teams aim to return to winning ways in Rades.
Tunisia suffered a 2-0 loss to Japan in their friendly at Noevir Stadium on October 17, marking consecutive defeats for the first time since January 2022. Facing an opponent ranked 154 places below them in FIFA rankings, the Eagles of Carthage, unbeaten at home for over two years, strongly believe in securing a victory on their turf.
Sao Tome & Principe concluded their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 6-0 defeat against Nigeria on September 10. Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick contributed to Selecao dos Falcoes e Papagaios’ third straight loss and seventh winless match across all competitions.
With a defensive challenge after conceding 25 goals in their last seven away matches, the visitors aim for a resilient performance.
Tunisia will miss Ali Maaloul and Hannibal Mejbri due to muscle injuries. Youssef Msakni, on a two-game scoring streak, is a key player for the hosts. Sao Tome’s Luis Leal, seeking his first goal since March, is expected to lead the attack, while Joazhifel Soares is set to earn his 34th cap for the away side.
