Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 14, 2024 at 4pm UK

Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Madagascarvs.Tunisia

Match preview

It's looking pretty slim for Madagascar to make it to the AFCON in Morocco. They could be out if they lose this week and Comoros beat Gambia in the other match in their group.

Barea are still looking for their first win in this competition. So far, they've only managed two 1-1 draws against Comoros and Gambia, with losses in gameweeks one and four against Tunisia and the Scorpions, respectively.

This run of bad form has seen Romuald Rakotondrabe's side go five games without a win, while they haven't made it to the AFCON main draw since 2018-19.

It's worth noting that Barea's only other appearance in the AFCON proper was in the 2018-19 season. They made it to the quarter-final, where they were defeated by their upcoming opponents 3-0.

Meanwhile, Tunisia beat Madagascar 1-0 in the reverse fixture back in September, which means they've now won four games in a row against Madagascar. That's since their first encounter back in July 2000.

On top of that, the Eagles of Carthage's defence has never let Barea score, keeping a clean sheet in each of the last four games. They've also scored a total of nine goals over that period.

Tunisia got off to a flying start in their AFCON qualifiers, winning two games in a row. However, they then lost 1-0 at home to Comoros in gameweek three and only managed a 1-1 draw against the same opponent four days later.

After the draw, the Tunisian Football Association decided to fire veteran manager Faouzi Benzarti, who had only been in charge of the side for four matches in his fourth stint with the national team.

Kais Yaakoubi is now in charge for this month's games. If they win here, they'll be through to the next stage, even if the Comoros and Gambia draw.

Recent Performance

Madagascar Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LDDL

Madagascar form (all competitions):WDLDDL

Tunisia Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WWLD

Tunisia form (all competitions):WDWWLD

Team News

Over the weekend, Rakotondrabe announced his squad for this month's fixtures, but there was one notable exclusion: Clement Couturier, who scored Barea's opener against Gambia in round three.

Some of the players who have been called back this month are Tantely Avotriniaina Rabarijaona and Nantenaina Randriamanampisoa. Charles Andriamatsinoro is expected to join the squad in South Africa.

Yaacoubi, who's in charge for now, has made a lot of changes to the team that played against Comoros last month. Hamza Mathlouthi, Amin Cherni and Ali Abdi have all been called up instead of Raed Bouchniba, Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida and Houssem Ben Ali.

Idriss El Mizouni and Hadj Mahmoud have also been called up to the national team this month, replacing Ferjani Sassi and Houssem Tka, while captain Youssef Msakni has also been left out.

Possible starting lineup

Madagascar possible starting lineup:

Laiton; Randriamanampisoa, Rabarijaona, Fontaine, Tremoulet; Samuel, Raveloson, N'Zi; Rojolalaina; Ponty, Caddy

Tunisia possible starting lineup:

Memmiche; Talbi, Meriah, Mathlouthi, Abdi; Laidouni, Skhiri, Mejbri, Mahmoud; Ltaief, Laayouni