Despite a lackluster performance, Tunisia’s national team secured their spot in the finals of CAN 2024 thanks to a brilliant goal from Ali Abdi. This hard-fought victory highlights the deficiencies within our national squad, raising questions about certain tactical choices, particularly regarding the goalkeeper position.
Amanallah Memmiche, once again, made errors that were both trivial and costly. Just yesterday, his mistake nearly proved disastrous for the Tunisian side. Fortunately, Omar Layouni, who provided a crucial assist from the right, and Ali Abdi, the goal-scoring defender, salvaged the situation. Abdi’s header in the 93rd minute clinched the victory for Tunisia, enabling them to secure their place in the finals of the CAN in Morocco without waiting for the sixth and final matchday against Gambia next Monday.
It’s not every day a goalkeeper scores an own goal, yet that’s exactly what Memmiche did yesterday while Tunisia was leading. It was the 21st minute when the Tunisian keeper mishandled the ball after intercepting a corner, allowing it to slip into the net.
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This cruel goal came against the grain of the match. Indeed, things started well for our national team with an early opener: after a poor clearance from Malagasy goalkeeper Teva Gardies, Ali Abdi sent in a cross from the left that Hamza Rafia dispatched directly into the net in the 6th minute.
Despite Memmiche’s own goal allowing Madagascar to level the match, Sayfallah Ltaief restored Tunisia’s advantage in the 39th minute with a well-placed shot after being set up by newcomer Hazem Mastouri from the center behind the defenders.
With such spectacular goals and a positive start, the match should have unfolded differently, but Tunisia’s vulnerable defense had other ideas. Memmiche conceded a soft goal in stoppage time of the first half after a deflected ball from Meriah caught our keeper off guard (45’+3). It’s no surprise that Memmiche was substituted for Aymen Dahmen at halftime.
In the second half, Kais Yaâkoubi made changes that indeed enhanced the attacking play. Nevertheless, it was Ali Abdi, yet again, who played a decisive role in a position he’s mastering: that of the goal-scoring defender.
In stoppage time (90’+3), thanks to a precise cross from the right by Amor Layouni, Ali Abdi’s diving header secured Tunisia’s qualification for the final phase of the CAN in Morocco, even in the face of Wajdi Kechrida’s expulsion in the 89th minute. There is much for the team to review and improve!
Starting , and Mastouri.
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