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Rabat – Tunisia’s 1–1 draw with Brazil in Lille comes at just the right moment. One month before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco gets underway, the Carthage Eagles find themselves in a tough group with Uganda, Tanzania and powerhouse Nigeria.
The timing of this draw is just about perfect for a Tunisian squad preparing up for what surely be a gruelling continental campaign and it’s clear that the team is starting to hit its stride when it matters.
Going into the friendly, the 2004 African champions adopted a compact formation and a tight focus on getting the ball up the pitch as quickly as possible — a strategy that paid dividends when Hazem Mastouri popped up midway through the first half to net the opener.
That goal, which was all about a lightning-fast counterattack and a beautiful assist from Abdi, showed off Tunisia’s tactical discipline and ability to punish the opposition when they left a gap open, which will be a vital asset at the AFCON.
This performance gives coach Sami Trabelsi a bit more room to breathe, even after a record-breaking World Cup 2026 qualification campaign.
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Brazil’s struggles shows Tunisia’s progress
Over in Europe and South America, the criticism was brutal for Brazil. Spanish and Argentinian outlets are saying they lacked sparkle and cutting edge, despite having plenty of the ball. Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo were a shadow of their usual selves, and Brazil’s attack was stuck in neutral time and again in front of Tunisia’s mean and lean back four.
Estêvão’s penalty at half-time just saved a defeat for Brazil, but it didn’t disguise the bigger picture issues that the analysts picked out, in particular the lack of that reliable pass from midfield to an outside striker.
The post-match reviews also picked up on defensive worries, with Caio Henrique coming in for some stick for not being too proactive and Éder Militão’s injury adding another layer of uncertainty ahead of the 2026 World Cup build-up.
The general consensus was that the draw exposed some serious problems in Carlo Ancelotti’s way of playing. The performance was unconvincing and raised more questions than answers.
For Tunisia, this draw makes impact, even it if its not a win. With the AFCON just weeks away now in Morocco, the team’s organisation, discipline and confidence against a top team will give them a much-needed psychological boost going into a group that will be an absolute dogfight.
Uganda and Tanzania matches will be physical and fast-paced. And Nigeria are one of the most feared attacking teams on the continent. The ability to keep their heads down, absorb the pressure and then strike with precision when the time is right — as Tunisia did against Brazil — will be key when it comes to coming out on top in those difficult continental matches.
One thing is clear – Tunisia’s performance in Lille suggests they’re finding their feet and are starting to look like a team ready to take the stage at the AFCON. The Carthage Eagles left feeling good about themselves, with a renewed sense of hope and a timely reminder that they’re still a force to be reckoned with just weeks out from the big event in Morocco.
