Why are Tunisia struggling to convince?

Tunisia secured qualification for the AFCON round of 16 despite being held 1-1 by Tanzania, with Feisal Salum’s stunning strike cancelling out Ismaël Gharbi’s first-half penalty.

Tunisia will not remember this match fondly. But they will remember what it secured: a place in the AFCON knockout rounds for a 15th time.

The Carthage Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on Tuesday, a result that extends their remarkable run of consecutive tournament appearances to 17 but raises serious questions about their credentials as genuine contenders.

Ismaël Gharbi’s first-half penalty had given Sami Trabelsi’s side the lead. Feisal Salum’s stunning equalizer seconds after half-time ensured they could not hold it.

A penalty breaks the deadlock

Tunisia dominated possession from the opening whistle, but possession without penetration is a familiar frustration for North African sides at this tournament. The Taifa Stars sat deep, disciplined, refusing to be drawn out of shape.

It took a VAR intervention to finally give Tunisia their breakthrough. The referee pointed to the spot after a lengthy review, and PSG youngster Ismaël Gharbi stepped up to convert, sending Hussein Masalanga the wrong way.

The goal should have settled Tunisian nerves. Instead, it seemed to heighten the tension.

Salum strikes back

Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi made a tactical switch at half-time, bringing on Selemani Mwalimu for captain Mbwana Samatta. The change was designed to add energy and directness. Within seconds, it paid off.

Novatus Miroshi found Feisal Salum on the edge of the box. The Azam FC midfielder did not hesitate. His right-footed strike flew into the bottom corner before the Tunisian goalkeeper could react.

It was a goal worthy of winning any match. For Tanzania, still searching for their first ever AFCON victory after 12 attempts, it represented something precious: proof that they belong at this level.

Before the tournament, Salum had spoken about the belief within the squad. “We have built on some incredible belief and fighting spirit from what we did in CHAN,” he told CAF Online. That spirit was evident in Rabat.

Tunisia’s limitations exposed

The final thirty minutes were played out in torrential rain, with both teams pushing for a winner. Tunisia had the better chances. Seifeddine Jaziri forced Masalanga into a sharp save with a header, while Ferjani Sassi saw a long-range effort blocked at the death.

But the cutting edge that saw them beat Uganda 3-1 in their opener was nowhere to be found. The 3-2 defeat to Nigeria in their second match had already exposed vulnerabilities at the back. Now, their attacking limitations were laid bare too.

Coach Sami Trabelsi had spoken before the match about the importance of mental strength. According to Bold Sports, he emphasized: “Tactics are important, but without mental strength it’s difficult to win.” His side showed plenty of character to hold on for the point they needed, but little of the quality that once made Tunisia feared across the continent.

What this means for Group C

Nigeria topped the group with a perfect nine points after beating Uganda 3-1 in the parallel fixture, with Raphael Onyedika scoring twice on his first start of the tournament.

Tunisia finish second on four points and will face the winner of Group D in the round of 16. Senegal or DR Congo await.

Tanzania’s two points leave them third, their fate now dependent on results from other groups. They could still sneak through as one of the four best third-placed teams, but the margins are fine.

Uganda depart Morocco pointless from their final two matches, their winless AFCON run now stretching to five games.

For Tunisia, the tournament continues. But if they are to match their 2019 run to the semi-finals, significant improvement is required. This was survival, not a statement.