The Eagles of Carthage confirm 2025 AFCON placing

Yesterday at 01:10 PM

Tunisia booked their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday evening after bagging a tough 3-2 win over Madagascar in Group A at Loftus Versfeld.

Despite a bright start to the game by Barea, Tunisia took the lead through a well-taken effort by Hamza Rafia in the 6^th minute. After a fine save by the Madagascar goalkeeper, Rafia latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area which was followed up with an accurate shot toward the goal.

Madagascar were gifted with an equalizer in the 20^th minute following a dreadful error by Amanallah Memmiche in goal. In what was supposed to be a routine catch from a corner situation, the Tunisian goalkeeper mistimed his catch and subsequently saw the ball fumble into his own net.

The Eagles of Carthage began to see more of the ball after 30 minutes played at Loftus as Madagascar sat back and soaked up the opposition's pressure. Madagascar however, remained aggressive in counter attacking situations.

Sayfallah Ltaief restored Tunisia's lead in emphatic fashion moments before the break following an incisive passing move that expertly breached the Madagascar offside trap. Played through on goal by Hazem Mestouri, Ltaief subsequently slotted the ball home with a clinical finish inside the 18-yard-area.

Then, as Madagascar made their way into the Tunisia half, Jean-Pierre Morgan found Ibrahim Amada, who beat Memmiche at his near post with a well taken left-footed shot from outside the area to equalize matters on the troke of half-time.

The pace of the game slowed down considerably at the start of the second-half with both nations taking their time on the ball, particularly when building from defensive positions.

Madagascar and Tunisia struggled to make the most of their scoring opportunities with the 70^th minute in view and seemed to have lacked ideas going forward. As fatigue set in, both sets of players made numerous mistakes in crucial areas of the pitch.

The Eagles of Carthage piled on the pressure en-route to the 80^th minute mark and played most of their football inside the Madagascar half. However, Barea looked dangerous on the break, especially with the space behind Tunisia's backline.

Then, soon after going a man down as a result of Wajdi Kechrida seeing red in the 89^th minute, Ali Al-Abdi managed to put his side ahead in the 93^rd minute of the match after a swift attack into the area. With Amor Layouni creating havoc on the right wing, the attacker whipped in a ball that was met by Al-Abdi who guided the ball home with a header from close range.

Madagascar: (1) 3 (Memmiche 20' OG, Amada 45+3', Ali-Abdi 93')

Tunisia: (1) 2 (Rafia 6', Ltaief 39')

Madagascar: Gardies, Rabemanantsoa, Fontaine, Tremoulet, Morgan (Caddy 88'), Ilaimaharitra, Amada (Randrianantenaina 94'), N'zi (Lalaina 78'), Rakotoharimalala (Raheriniaina 46'), Raveloson, Ponti (Randriatsiferana 79')

Tunisia: Memmiche (Dahmen 46'), Abdi, Talbi, Meriah, Kechrida, Laidouni, Skhiri (Mejbri 64'), Ltaief (Malek 76'), Haj Mohamed (Layouni 46'), Rafia (Romdhane 64'), Mestouri