The Africa World Cup Qualifiers delivered another thrilling clash as Equatorial Guinea hosted Tunisia in Round 8 of the qualification stage. The game ended 0–1 in favor of Tunisia, a result that keeps their World Cup hopes alive while dimming the prospects of Equatorial Guinea.
Match Summary
The encounter at Malabo was a tense battle of tactics, resilience, and determination. Both sides entered the field knowing that points at this stage could define their World Cup journey.
- First Half: The opening 45 minutes were cautious. Neither side found a breakthrough as defenses held firm. Equatorial Guinea relied on Mascarell and Nsue to control the tempo, while Tunisia’s Dahmen stood alert between the posts.
- Second Half: The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane scored in the 90+4th minute, assisted by Chaouat Firas. This late strike silenced the home crowd and lifted Tunisia to a crucial away victory.
Key Stats
- Final Score: Equatorial Guinea 0–1 Tunisia
- Goals: Ben Romdhane (90+4’)
- Possession: Nearly even, though Tunisia edged control in midfield.
- Substitutions:
- Tunisia brought in Sliti, Mejbri, and Chaouat to add attacking thrust.
- Equatorial Guinea turned to Masogo, Zuniga, and Joel Akogo for fresh legs, but the late pressure could not yield results.
- Tunisia brought in Sliti, Mejbri, and Chaouat to add attacking thrust.
- Goalkeeper Highlight: Dahmen’s crucial save at 90+3’ ensured Tunisia stayed level before their dramatic winner.
Lineups and Tactical Notes
- Equatorial Guinea: Leaned on veterans like Nsue and Obiang to anchor play. Their compact defense frustrated Tunisia for long stretches.
- Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles’ coach made bold substitutions around the 60th minute, introducing fresh energy in midfield. This tactical switch turned the tide, giving Tunisia the edge in the dying minutes.
Turning Point
The substitution of Chaouat for Mastouri in the 73rd minute proved decisive. His link-up play created the assist for Ben Romdhane’s stoppage-time winner.
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Conclusion
Tunisia’s late win over Equatorial Guinea will be remembered as a masterclass in perseverance. Equatorial Guinea defended with heart but were undone at the final hurdle. For Tanzania and other African hopefuls, the lesson is clear: in World Cup qualifiers, it’s not just about skill — it’s about staying sharp until the very last whistle.
