2026 WCQ: Tunisia find late goals to defeat 10-man Malawi

Late goals spared the blushes of the Tunisia national team on Monday in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying as the Carthage Eagles scored twice in the final five minutes to defeat Malawi 2-1 in Tunis.

Substitute forward Seifeddine Jaziri scored in the 87th minute and a stoppage time penalty kick from Elias Achouri spared the blushes of the hosts who encountered stiff resistance from the visiting Flames.

Malawi had the best chance of the first half just before halftime when Richard Mbulu headed a cross back towards goal and Lloyd Njaliwa somehow failed to finish from two yards out, heading the ball off the crossbar and back off his face before it was cleared. A more positive start to the second half saw Flames goalkeeper William Thole put in an excellent performance with several top notch saves.

But after a careless second yellow card was given to Malawi midfielder Lloyd Aaron in the 64th minute, all the visitors could do was defend. After sustained pressure, Zamalek striker Jaziri broke the deadlock with a header at the far post after Achouri's cross was flicked on by a Malawian defender.

Late on Achouri converted a penalty kick to confirm victory. Malawi did earn a penalty of their own in the final moments but Mbulu's spot kick was well saved by Tunisia keeper Aymen Dahmen. Tunisia now move four points clear of second placed Namibia in a weak Group H after the result. Malawi are fifth place on six points.

Group H Table (6 matches played)

• The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

• Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.