Tunisia Vs Gambia
Tunisia Vs Gambia Livestream
On Monday, Tunisia will face Gambia in a Group A match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The encounter, set at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, carries little weight in terms of qualification. Tunisia has already secured their place in the tournament, while Gambia is mathematically out of contention.
This final Group A game serves as a formality, with Tunisia aiming to conclude their qualifying campaign on a high note in front of their home fans. In contrast, Gambia seeks redemption after a disappointing qualifying run, using the match as an opportunity to rebuild morale and assess their squad for future competitions.
Tunisia sealed their AFCON 2025 spot with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Madagascar at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Thursday. The Eagles of Carthage displayed both resilience and determination in a nail-biting contest.
The match began on a positive note for Tunisia, with Hamza Rafia opening the scoring early on. However, an unfortunate own goal by goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche leveled the score, dampening their momentum. Tunisia regained the lead through Sayfallah Ltaief, but Madagascar responded swiftly, with Ibrahim Amada scoring to make it 2-2 by halftime.
The second half lacked the goal-scoring intensity of the first, but the drama peaked late in the game. Tunisia found themselves reduced to 10 men when Wajdi Kechrida was sent off in the 89th minute after picking up a second yellow card. Despite the disadvantage, Ali Abdi rose to the occasion in stoppage time, heading home a decisive goal that secured Tunisia's victory and their AFCON ticket.
This win brought Tunisia's points tally to 10 from five matches, ensuring they cannot finish below second in the group standings. Nevertheless, the team will look to cap off their campaign with a strong performance against Gambia, buoyed by the support of their fans.
Tunisia's qualification journey has not been without its challenges, particularly in the coaching department. Following a lackluster 1-1 draw against Comoros in September, veteran coach Faouzi Benzarti, in his fourth stint with the national team, was dismissed. His tenure lasted just four matches, reflecting a growing impatience with underwhelming results.
Stepping into the role was Kais Yaakoubi, who took charge for the pivotal match against Madagascar. Despite being a stopgap appointment, Yaakoubi will be credited with leading Tunisia to AFCON 2025 qualification. However, his focus now shifts to securing a group-topping finish with a win over Gambia.
For Gambia, the qualifiers have been a story of missed opportunities and heartbreak. Their hopes of reaching a third consecutive AFCON were dashed after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Comoros at Stade Municipal de Berkane last Friday. The Scorpions had initially taken the lead through Alassana Jatta, only to see Rafiki Said equalize seven minutes later. As the match seemed destined for a draw, Comoros struck a crushing 90th-minute winner, ending Gambia’s AFCON dreams.
The Scorpions’ disappointing campaign has been compounded by instability in the managerial position. Johnny McKinstry took over in May following the resignation of Tom Saintfiet, who stepped down after a group-stage exit at AFCON 2023. McKinstry’s tenure has been far from smooth, with just two wins in seven matches under his leadership. These victories came against Seychelles in a World Cup qualifier and Madagascar in an earlier AFCON qualifier.
Despite the underwhelming results, McKinstry will hope to inspire his team to an upset against Tunisia. A positive result could bolster his case to remain at the helm as Gambia prepares for future competitions.
One of Gambia’s significant challenges has been the lack of a suitable home venue. With no stadium in the country meeting FIFA standards, the Scorpions have been forced to play their home games on foreign soil. This logistical hurdle has contributed to their poor form on the road, where they have failed to win in their last five away matches, suffering three losses and two draws.
Tunisia’s squad boasts a blend of experience and emerging talent. Players like Hamza Rafia and Sayfallah Ltaief have been instrumental in the team’s qualification run, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Ali Abdi’s late heroics against Madagascar underscored the depth and determination within the squad.
Kais Yaakoubi will likely use the Gambia match to experiment with his lineup, giving fringe players an opportunity to impress. With qualification already secured, Tunisia can afford to focus on building
Despite their disappointing campaign, Gambia has shown glimpses of potential. Alassana Jatta’s goal-scoring ability has been a highlight, while younger players have gained valuable experience on the international stage. The Scorpions will need to regroup and address their weaknesses, particularly their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to close out matches.
The match against Tunisia offers an opportunity for Gambia to end their campaign on a positive note, providing a foundation for future growth under McKinstry’s guidance—or under a new manager, should the federation decide to make a change.
Tunisia and Gambia have faced each other multiple times in competitive fixtures, with Tunisia generally holding the upper hand. The Eagles of Carthage are known for their disciplined defensive setup and swift counter-attacks, traits that have served them well in previous encounters.
Gambia, on the other hand, will need to adopt a more proactive approach if they hope to challenge Tunisia on their home turf. McKinstry’s tactical acumen will be tested as he seeks to find a balance between defensive solidity and offensive ambition.
Given Tunisia’s superior form and home advantage, they are clear favorites heading into Monday’s match. However, Gambia has little to lose and could pose a threat if they play with freedom and determination. The Scorpions’ recent struggles on the road, coupled with Tunisia’s formidable record at home, make an upset unlikely but not impossible.
While the result of this match will not impact the Group A standings, it holds significance for both teams. For Tunisia, it is an opportunity to solidify their status as group leaders and build confidence heading into AFCON 2025. For Gambia, it is a chance to salvage pride and lay the groundwork for future campaigns.
The Tunisia vs. Gambia clash at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi may lack the high stakes of other AFCON qualifiers, but it remains an intriguing encounter. Tunisia will look to delight their fans with a strong performance, while Gambia aims to prove they are more than the sum of their recent disappointments. Regardless of the outcome, the match serves as a stepping stone for both teams as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
