An early goal made the difference on Wednesday in Group H from 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying as Tunisia produced a professional performance in an important 1-0 victory over Liberia in Paynesville.
US Monastir striker Hazem Mastouri finished from left back Ali Abdi's cross in the 4th minute, giving the Carthage Eagles a lead which they successfully defended despite some promising moments from the hosts.
The Lone Stars launched several rapid attacks towards the Tunisian goal in the first half, with Austin FC attacker Bryan Farkarlun coming closest to leveling when his shot was denied by the face of Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen after a stellar dribbling run. Mastouri had a couple of chances to double his tally and Naïm Sliti rattled the bar for the visitors in an entertaining first half.
But the Tunisian's tactical superiority was more successful in the second half as Liberia struggled to replicate some of the dangerous attacks seen in the first stanza.
Liberia had a decent shout for a penalty kick in the 55th minute when Tunisia center back Montasser Talbi made a stiff challenge as a cross came into the Tunisian penalty area but referee Clement Franklin Kpan swallowed his whistle. Talbi then preserved victory with a timely block in the final minutes to give Tunisia a crucial victory away from home.
Tunisia are now five points clear of second placed Namibia at the top of Group H. Liberia's failure to take their opportunity at home now leaves them six points back in third place.
Group H Table
GP | Points | |
Tunisia | 5 | 13 |
Namibia | 4 | 8 |
Liberia | 5 | 7 |
Malawi | 4 | 6 |
Eq. Guinea | 4 | 3 |
São Tomé | 4 | 0 |
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.
Comments