Libya beat Tunisia in Sfax to reshape Afcon qualifying race

Libya defeated Tunisia 2-0 in Sfax on Friday, leaving their neighbours bottom of Group H in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. BBC Sport Africa reported that the visitors moved into second place, level on points with Uganda, while Tunisia's attempt to extend a run of 17 consecutive appearances at the finals suffered another setback.

Watch the highlights:

Ali Youssef put Libya ahead from the penalty spot shortly before half-time. The penalty followed a decision against Ali Maaloul for pulling Muad Eisay's shirt. Tunisia subsequently had a second-half goal disallowed for offside, before Hamdou El Houni scored with a low shot three minutes later to establish Libya's two-goal advantage, according to the BBC's match account.

The result brought Libya their first victory of this qualifying campaign. Youssef Dabo's team previously had one point, beIN SPORTS reported. They recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Botswana, but then lost 1-0 to Uganda on September 29. Victory in Tunisia lifted their total to four points.

Tunisia's opening results had been draws rather than defeats. They finished 1-1 against Uganda and 2-2 against Botswana, with Hazem Mastouri scoring both Tunisian goals in the latter match, beIN SPORTS reported. Those results had left them on two points before Libya's visit. Friday's loss means they remain on that total after three matches, with no qualifying win yet secured.

The group's qualification rules make the change in positions particularly significant. Uganda already have a finals place as a tournament co-host, leaving Tunisia, Libya and Botswana competing for one additional berth, according to beIN SPORTS. Libya have not appeared at an Afcon finals since 2012; Tunisia, by contrast, now face the possibility of missing the tournament for the first time since 1992, the BBC reported.

The teams are scheduled to meet again in Libya on November 17. Tunisia had won both of their meetings in the 2023 qualifying campaign, by 3-0 at home and 1-0 away, according to beIN SPORTS. Libya now hold the advantage in this qualifying campaign.