World Cup (Q): Sharp finishing lifts Tunisia past Namibia

World Cup (Q): Sharp finishing lifts Tunisia past Namibia

Photo: Tunisian Football Federation

World Cup (Q): Sharp finishing lifts Tunisia past Namibia

The Tunisia national team ended their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign undefeated on Monday with a 3-0 home victory over Namibia to finish play in Group H.

Familiar names were on the scoresheet for the Eagles of Carthage, who already had qualification for the finals secured last month. Veteran left back Ali Abdi opened the scoring before the thirty minute mark from the penalty spot before Hannibal Mejbri and Ferjani Sassi scored within a ten-minute span in the second half.

Visitors Namibia, in the runner-up position but eliminated from contention to qualify before the final matchday, put in a strong effort but failed to capitalize against a relaxed home side. Inside ten minutes, Peter Shalulile finished from close range after a blocked shot fell kindly for the Mamelodi Sundowns striker but the offsides flag went up.

That was as good as it got for the Brave Warriors who fell to defeat against the superior quality of the hosts’ midfield and attack. Abdi’s spot kick allowed the Eagles of Carthage to hold the advantage after an even first half before former Manchester United midfielder Mejbri received a short corner kick in the 55th minute and his cross went through a couple of players on its way into the goal.

Former Zamalek midfielder Sassi completed the scoring with a low finish that snuck beyond the reach of a diving Kamaijanda Ndisiri in the Brave Warriors’ goal.

Tunisia end their campaign with 9 wins, a draw and 0 defeats to take advantage of perhaps the weakest group in qualifying from the CAF region. Namibia finish a distant second place with fifteen points from their ten matches (4 victories, 3 draws and 3 defeats).

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