When Tunisia national team wrapped up the CAF Group H campaign with a 3‑0 win over Namibia on 13 October 2025, the result felt like a clean‑sheet celebration on a Saturday night. The match, played at the Stade Olympique de Rades in Tunis, secured Tunisia’s ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and left the opposition without a single goal conceded in ten qualifying games.
Ali El Abdi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, before Hannibal Mejbri doubled the lead with a low drive in the 58th. Captain Ferjani Sassi sealed the win in the 84th, sending the home crowd of roughly 30,000 into a frenzy. Senegalese referee Issa Sy saw out a match that marked the end of a perfect defensive record – 22 goals for, zero against – and locked Tunisia into the finals in North America with 27 points, a full 13 ahead of the runners‑up.
How Tunisia’s defensive masterclass unfolded
The numbers tell the story: nine wins, one draw, zero losses, 22 goals scored and none let past the back line. Goalkeeper Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane kept a clean sheet in every match, while the defensive unit – led by centre‑backs Hamdi Harbaoui and Radhouane Aouadi – never faltered on set‑pieces. Coach Mondher Khalifa (who took over in March 2024) emphasized a compact, high‑pressing system that forced opponents to make mistakes far from the Tunisian goal.
"We built our identity around discipline and belief," Khalifa said in the post‑match press conference. "Every player knows the moment we step onto the pitch that conceding is not an option. The chemistry we have now is the product of a year‑long process."
Other Group H stories from 13 October 2025
While Tunisia celebrated, the rest of Group H offered a mixed bag of drama. In Malabo, Equatorial Guinea drew 1‑1 with Liberia, a match that featured Federico Bikoro’s early strike and a quick reply from Nicholas Andrews. The hosts were dealing with a player‑strike that had forced a forfeit against Malawi just a week earlier, and the new coach – French‑born Paul Mauprat – was still trying to restore cohesion.
Across the Mediterranean, São Tomé and Príncipe pulled off a historic 1‑0 win over Malawi in Sousse. Portuguese‑based striker Ronald Lumungo converted a penalty in the 62nd minute, snapping an 18‑match winless streak and earning the tiny island nation its first point of the campaign.
In Juba, South Sudan and Togo fought to a 0‑0 stalemate after South Sudan’s French coach Nicolas Dupuis was sacked following a 5‑0 loss to Senegal three days earlier. The draw kept both sides hovering near the bottom of Group B.
Reactions from coaches, players and fans
Ferjani Sassi, the 33‑year‑old captain, called the defensive feat “a marathon, not a sprint”. "Every training session, every minute on the bench, we visualised this moment. To finish the campaign without letting anyone score is something special for Tunisian football."
Namibia’s coach, John Mawiambo, admitted disappointment but praised his side’s resilience. "We gave it our all, but the gap was there. The group is tough and we’ll use this experience to build for the next cycle," he told local media.
Fans in Tunis took to the streets, waving the red‑white flag and chanting the national anthem long after the final whistle. Social‑media trends #TunisiaNoGoalAgainst and #WorldCup2026 trended locally, while the online chatter in North Africa highlighted the potential ripple effect for club football – many clubs expect a boost in ticket sales and sponsorship once the national team reaches the World Cup.
What qualification means for Tunisian football
Beyond the glory, the qualification is a financial lifeline. CAF awards roughly $1.5 million to each African qualifier for the 2026 tournament, plus bonuses for each win in the group stage. That injection will help the Tunisian Football Federation upgrade youth academies and invest in stadium infrastructure ahead of the World Cup.
"The exposure on a global stage will attract scouts, improve player contracts, and raise the league’s profile," noted sports economist Dr. Lamia Ben Saïd of the University of Carthage.
Looking ahead: Playoffs and the World Cup
The next hurdle for the remaining CAF nations is the inter‑confederation playoff in November 2025. Four of the best runners‑up across the nine groups – likely including Namibia, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, and one from another region – will face teams from Asia, Oceania and CONCACAF for the final three spots.
For Tunisia, the focus shifts to preparation. A friendly series against European sides is slated for March 2026, with a final training camp in Doha slated for May. The team hopes to carry the defensive confidence into the tournament, where they will be drawn into a group that could feature either Brazil or France, depending on the draw.
- Key Facts
- Date of decisive match: 13 Oct 2025
- Venue: Stade Olympique de Rades, Tunis
- Final score: Tunisia 3‑0 Namibia
- Goals: Ali El Abdi (pen), Hannibal Mejbri, Ferjani Sassi (c)
- Defensive record: 0 goals conceded in 10 games
- Points: Tunisia 27, Namibia 14
- World Cup berth: 2026 FIFA World Cup (North America)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tunisia’s qualification affect Namibia?
Namibia finished second with 14 points but missed the cutoff for the best four CAF runners‑up. The loss means they will not participate in the November inter‑confederation playoffs, ending their 2026 World Cup hopes and prompting the federation to rethink its coaching strategy ahead of the next Africa Cup of Nations.
What were the key factors behind Tunisia’s perfect defensive record?
A blend of tactical discipline, a world‑class goalkeeper in Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, and a cohesive back line that rarely left gaps. Coach Mondher Khalifa’s emphasis on a high‑press, compact shape forced opponents into low‑percentage shots, while set‑piece organization kept the penalty area secure.
When and where will the CAF inter‑confederation playoffs take place?
The playoffs are scheduled for 12‑16 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar. Four CAF runners‑up will each face a team from Asia, Oceania or CONCACAF in single‑match eliminations, with the winners earning the final World Cup spots.
Who are likely opponents for Tunisia in the 2026 World Cup group stage?
The draw is set for late March 2026. Based on current FIFA rankings, Tunisia could end up with a European powerhouse such as France or a South American side like Brazil, or possibly a lesser‑known Asian qualifier. Their defensive solidity should help them compete regardless of the draw.
What does Tunisia’s success mean for African football overall?
Tunisia’s clean‑sheet run underscores the growing tactical sophistication across Africa. It sets a benchmark for other nations, showing that disciplined defensive structures can coexist with attacking flair. The performance may inspire other CAF teams to invest in defensive coaching and youth development.
What a lesson in discipline! 🎉 Tunisia’s back line was a wall and the whole squad played with heart. Keep the momentum going! 💪