Haythem Jouini made it two goals in his first two appearances for the Tunisia senior national team on Tuesday when the Stade Tunisien forward headed in the match winner for the Carthage Eagles in their 1-0 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory at Libya. Jouini’s first half goal moved Tunisia back into top spot in Group J with ten points through four matches, one ahead of Equatorial Guinea who were also victors on Tuesday with a 3-2 victory in Botswana.
Despite the return of star players like Wydad AC winger Muaid Ellafi and Braga midfielder Al Musrati, Libya failed to break down a Tunisian defense who have yet to concede a goal in their qualification campaign. Jouini was unmarked when he rose up to meet a corner kick from Ali Maâloul in the 16th minute and his goal means that Libya needs to win their last two matches and hope for results to go their way.
Botswana needed a victory keep their hopes alive and the Zebras were dangerous throughout but an awful defensive performance helped an opportunistic Equatorial Guinea claim a win away from home. Mbatshi Elias cancelled out an opening goal from Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue but Botswana defender Lebogang Ditsele turned a cross into his own goal to restore the Nzalang’s lead before halftime. Iban Edú extended the lead to two goals early in the second half with Botswana’s only response a Kabelo Seakanyeng penalty kick in the 66th minute.
Highlights from both games in Group J are below.
Scores
Botswana 2-3 Equatorial Guinea
Libya 0-1 Tunisia
Highlights
Libya 0-1 Tunisia
Botswana 2-3 Equatorial Guinea
