Rabat – Tunisia drew 2-2 with Botswana on Monday at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, extending their winless start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Botswana took the lead in the 37th minute through Thatayaone Kgamanyane, putting the hosts under pressure before halftime.
Tunisia responded through Hazem Mastouri, who scored twice either side of the break to turn the match around and give the Carthage Eagles a 2-1 advantage.
The lead did not last, however, as Lebogang Ditsele equalized for Botswana on the hour mark, and neither side could find a winner in the remaining half-hour.
Tunisia still searching for first win
The result leaves Tunisia with two points from their opening two matches in Group H.
Mouine Chaabani’s side also dropped points in their first qualifier on Thursday, drawing 1-1 with Uganda at the same stadium.
Adem Arous gave Tunisia the lead after 12 minutes in that match before Rogers Mato equalized for Uganda in the 68th minute.
Tunisia have therefore scored three goals and conceded three across their opening two qualifiers without recording a victory.
Botswana are also on two points. The Zebras began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Libya before collecting another point against Tunisia.
The Group H situation carries additional significance because Uganda have already qualified automatically for AFCON 2027 as one of the tournament’s three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Under the qualifying format, only the highest-placed team outside Uganda will secure the additional qualification place available from Group H, increasing the importance of Tunisia’s dropped points.
Uganda and Libya are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, with the result set to determine the Group H standings following the second round of matches.
