Tunisia will cross swords with Namibia in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification (Group H) match scheduled to be held at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades on Monday.
Kick-off is at 3:00 CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Carthage Eagles extended their winning streak to five matches in Group H when they hammered a hapless Sao Tome and Principe side 6-0 away on October 10. Tunisia also remained undefeated in the group, having drawn once and won eight games.
Furthermore, Tunisia are placed at the top of the group standings - 10 points clear of second-placed Namibia. The North African giants have already booked their spot in the World Cup finals and they will be keen to end a successful qualifying campaign with a victory over Namibia.
Meanwhile, Namibia have been inconsistent in Group H as they recorded their second defeat in their last three matches when they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to Liberia away on October 9, but before that they had defeated Sao Tome and Principe last month.
The Brave Warriors cannot qualify directly for the World Cup, but they are in contention for the four best runners-up spots. Namibia will advance to the play-offs if they overcome Tunisia and the other results go their way after matchday six across all groups.
TEAM NEWS
Tunisia midfielder Moataz Naffati is an injury doubt after the 21-year-old Norrkoping star missed the game against Sao Tome and Principe.
Namibia, on the other hand, are without the services of Sergio Damaseb as the Mighty Gunners defender is currently injured.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Tunisia head coach Sami Trabelsi
"I have to give credit to my players for their tactical discipline and dedication, even if we were scratching our heads for answers at the start of the first half," Trabelsi told reporters.
"Having secured our place at the last time out, we are looking to climb the Fifa rankings. That's why we tried so hard to dominate today, that's why we're looking to beat Namibia on Monday and that's why every friendly is important."
Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin
"We have to play Tunisia. I think it’s another chance for our team to grow, my team to grow, and for my youngsters to get international experience," Benjamin told reporters.
"The national experience is very important for them and their growth and development. And at the moment, we’re going to sit down, we’re going to analyze what we did wrong, what we can improve and then on Monday, we take on Tunisia.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Tunisia and Namibia have met five times across all competitions following their maiden meeting in April 1997.
The Indomitable Lions have the edge in this rivalry, having won three matches compared to the Brave Warriors' one victory and one game was drawn.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier played at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa, in June 2024.
