Latest news with #CarthageEagles
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
WAFCON 2024: DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, Botswana Bow Out with Grit and Glory
As the 2024 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) enters the quarterfinal stage, four teams—DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Botswana—exit the competition, but not without leaving a lasting impression through memorable performances and unwavering determination. Botswana's Comeback Falls Just Short Despite a spirited 2-1 comeback win against Tunisia, Botswana's journey ended heartbreakingly on July 14 in Casablanca. With hopes of a quarterfinal spot still alive, the Mares watched their fate slip away after Ghana's commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania secured the final qualification ticket. Botswana had fallen behind 1-0 at halftime but rallied with resilience and unity to turn the game around. Though their elimination stung, the team departed with heads held high, having showcased immense character. Flavine Mawete's Moment of Brilliance In front of 21,000 Moroccan fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Flavine Mawete delivered one of the tournament's most iconic moments. Facing a sea of red and green support for the host nation, the DR Congo winger held her nerve and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike to equalize against Morocco, momentarily silencing the crowd. The 25-year-old's goal stood out not just as a technical feat, but as a symbol of defiance and belief, earning her a place in the hearts of fans and in the annals of the tournament. Tanzania Push Defending Champions to the Brink The Twiga Stars nearly caused a major upset against reigning champions South Africa. Opa Clement gave Tanzania a deserved lead in the 24th minute, capitalizing on their disciplined defensive shape and the industrious midfield work of Diana Msewa. South Africa struggled to break through until the 70th minute when Bambanani Mbane salvaged a 1-1 draw with a powerful strike from a poorly cleared corner. The result felt like a moral victory for Tanzania, who proved their mettle against elite opposition. Tunisian Fans Bring Home Atmosphere to Morocco Tunisia may not have advanced, but their supporters were among the loudest of the tournament. Over 1,700 kilometers from Tunis, the stands at Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca echoed with chants, flags, and unrelenting support for the Carthage Eagles. 'We felt their energy from the warm-up,' said captain Chaima Abbassi after their final match. 'It gave us a tremendous boost.' The fans' passion turned every Tunisian fixture into a home-like atmosphere, further fueling their players' performances. A Brave Exit, A Promising Future Though their WAFCON 2024 campaigns have ended, the efforts of DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Botswana have enriched the tournament. Each side exits with pride, having fought valiantly and inspired many with their heart, passion, and progress.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Botswana leave it late to down Tunisia in WAFCON Group B thriller
Published: Sunday, 13 July 2025 Botswana struck a dramatic injury-time winner to edge Tunisia 2-1 in Casablanca on Sunday, but have to wait to discover if they have progressed to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025. Despite the late heroics from Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, the Mares' hopes of a top-two finish were dashed as Nigeria and Algeria played out a goalless draw in the group's other game, ensuring both advanced. With both Botswana and Tunisia knowing only a win could offer any hope of reaching the last eight, the game at Stade Père Jégo began with urgency. Tunisia broke the deadlock early through Yesmin Khanchouch, who capitalised on a loose ball in the box to finish calmly and hand the Carthage Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute — their first goal of the tournament. Botswana responded with sustained pressure in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded when Lesego Radiakanyo drilled home the equaliser from close range in the 66th minute following a neat layoff from Mokgabo Thanda. The final stages were frantic as both sides chased a decisive goal. Tunisia pushed forward in numbers, with Sabrine Ellouzi and Samia Aouni both testing goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja, who stood firm throughout. At the other end, Refilwe Tholakele's pace on the break caused problems for the North Africans. As the match ticked into stoppage time, Botswana snatched the winner in the 95th minute. Tholakele surged down the right and whipped in a dangerous cross that Ontlametse met with precision, steering the ball past Soulayma Jebrani and sparking wild celebrations on the Botswana bench. However, the joy was short-lived. With Nigeria and Algeria sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw, Botswana's tally of three points proved insufficient to break into the top two, leaving them third in Group B and have to wait to see if they have secured one of the best third placed teams. Tunisia, who ended bottom of the group with just a solitary point, exit the competition without a win, continuing their struggle to make a lasting impact on the continental stage.
CAF
11-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia and Algeria share spoils in tense WAFCON derby stalemate
Published: Thursday, 10 July 2025 Tunisia and Algeria played out a tense goalless draw in Casablanca as both sides missed the opportunity to take control of their WAFCON 2025 Group B campaign. In a clash that pitted two familiar North African neighbours against each other, the much-anticipated Maghreb derby at Stade Père Jégo offered intensity and grit but ultimately lacked the cutting edge, as neither side managed to break the deadlock. Tunisia, who came into the match desperate to respond after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Nigeria in their opener, showed far more discipline and attacking intent than in their previous outing. Yet despite their renewed purpose, they failed to convert promising opportunities into goals, extending their scoreless run at WAFCON finals to five consecutive matches. The Carthage Eagles came closest in the first half when Sana Guermazi forced a fingertip save from Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N'Gazi following a flowing team move. Moments later, Myriam Bayahia saw her close-range header blocked inside a crowded box, reflecting Tunisia's inability to turn pressure into tangible results. Algeria, fresh from a morale-boosting win over Botswana, dominated long spells of possession and carved out clearer chances in the second half. Marine Dafeur and Lina Boussaha were both denied by Tunisian goalkeeper Soulayma Jebrani, who delivered a commanding performance between the posts. Coach Farid Benstiti's side looked the more composed of the two, but the final ball often lacked precision. Inès Boutaleb and Amira Ould Braham found space in the final third yet struggled to capitalise on it, with Tunisia's backline standing firm. Late efforts from Mélinne D'Oria and Ghoutia Karchouni were comfortably handled by Jebrani, and Tunisia's last-ditch attacking efforts — including a speculative 35-yard free-kick from Samia Aouni — failed to threaten the Algerian goal. Algeria move to four points and remain unbeaten in the group, placing them in a favourable position ahead of their final group clash with Nigeria. Tunisia, on one point, now face Botswana in a must-win encounter if they are to keep alive their hopes of a historic first quarter-final appearance. While the match lacked goals, it was a compelling tactical battle—one shaped by mutual respect, historic familiarity, and high stakes. The point may yet prove valuable, but for Tunisia, the wait for a WAFCON goal—and redemption—goes on.
CAF
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia – Algeria: One Border, One Match, Two Visions
They know each other. Too well, perhaps. Between Kamel Saada's Tunisia and Farid Benstiti's Algeria, they share parallel stories. Players who have passed through the same training centers, the same French clubs. Sometimes even the same locker rooms. But on Thursday at 5pm (local time), at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, the time for shared memories will be put aside. They will have to choose a side, assert their identity. And perhaps save their AFCON. This Maghreb derby, the first ever between the neighbouring nations in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals, is not just a regional matchup. It is a crossroads for two teams on opposite paths: Tunisia, seeking redemption after a poor start against Nigeria (0-3), and Algeria dreaming of confirming their important victory against Botswana (1-0). A stunned but not resigned Tunisia. At the press conference this Wednesday morning, Saada did not shy away from the reality on the ground. "Yes, the score against Nigeria was heavy but it does not tell the whole story. For 60 minutes, we held our own, we were disciplined. There were mistakes, yes, but the team responded with the right spirit." A spirited fight is what will need to be mobilized again, more than ever. Because the statistics are relentless: Tunisia has lost four consecutive matches at the WAFCON finals without scoring a single goal. The last time the Carthage Eagles found the back of the net was in their 4-1 victory against Togo in 2022. Since then, they have suffered 388 minutes of offensive impotence. Against Nigeria, Tunisia did not put a single shot on target, completed only 97 passes—the lowest total of any team over the last two editions—and had only 28% possession. "It is not enough, of course. But we do not play against a team like Nigeria every day," Saada argued. "Against Algeria, it will be a completely different match. A match we want to win." Farid Benstiti: "Tunisia deserves respect" On the Algerian side, the tone was firm but measured. Algeria, with a squad heavily structured around an Algerian-Franco framework, started their competition on a positive note. A goal from Ghoutia Karchouni, a well-organized team, a straightforward but incredibly valuable victory (1-0 against Botswana). "It is the WAFCON, not an exhibition tournament," Farid Benstiti expressed. "What matters is the result." Winning 1-0 is sometimes better than winning 4-0 without controlling anything." However, the former PSG coach refuses to hear talk of favouritism. "I am more worried about the match against Tunisia than the one against Nigeria. Because we know this team. We have played them twice recently. We lost once, drew another. They are solid, well-organized. They won't give us any concessions." Inès Belloumou: "We can't mess this up" Inès Belloumou, Malmö's left-back, was one of the standout players in the first match, with 89 touches on the ball and a constant influence down the left flank. She also talks about this match with a mixture of concentration and pride. "Tunisia-Algeria is not just a group match. It is a match we know and look forward to. We shall be up against familiar faces, former teammates." But once on the pitch, there are no more friends. Just opponents." Chrini Lamti, the Tunisian heart Facing a well-established Algeria, Tunisia will rely on the fighting spirit and vision of Chrini Lamti, their most reliable midfielder. Her ability to break lines, to slow down when necessary, and to cover spaces in transition will be decisive. "The squad wants to do everything possible to win. We know that there are expectations of us that we have to show something different," she says simply. Saada, for her part, knows that her players have more talent than what they displayed against Nigeria. "We must not fall into the trap of fear. We have to be daring. Play our game, take risks." Key points to note Physically, Algeria seem more ready. Against Botswana, they imposed their pace, recording 336 successful passes at a 77.8% accuracy rate, with seven shots on target. In contrast, Tunisia seemed out of it. But the context of a derby could erase this difference. Tactically, the two teams play in a fairly similar style: a compact midfield, a game based on transitions, and attacking packs that quickly advance. The difference could be made in the penalty areas, where Algeria seems to have more bearings and realism. Mentally, finally, everything is open. Benstiti insists: "This kind of match is also won with heart. We have to be mentally strong." He is wary of the conditions: "The 5pm kickoff, the heat... It is a factor to manage, but it is the same for both teams. At this stage, the mental strength will make the difference." If Algeria win, they could secure their place in the quarterfinals as early as this Thursday and thus achieve an unprecedented performance, as les Vertes have never qualified for the knockout stages of the WAFCON. A draw would leave them in a favourable position before facing Nigeria. Tunisia, meanwhile, have their backs against the wall. A second defeat, and the doors to elimination would open dangerously wide. But a victory in the derby would change everything: it would revive the momentum, offer a breath of hope, and prove that this generation can still write history.
CAF
03-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisian star Mariem Houij Dreams even bigger
Mariem Houij holds the record for the fastest goal in the history of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (TotalEnergies) A quarterfinalist in 2022, she now aims to go even further in the competition She also discusses her role within the Carthage Eagles (Women's Team) If there were a single moment to sum up Mariem Houij's career, it would probably be this one: a sprint, a crisp strike, and a goal scored just 17 seconds into the game against Togo during the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations – the fastest goal in the tournament's history. That goal went viral and became a symbol of a player who constantly pushes her limits. At 30, the Tunisian striker is much more than a goal-scorer. She is a cornerstone, a role model, and an inspiration for a whole generation of young girls who dream of following in her footsteps. Since her debut with the national team, Mariem Houij has tirelessly represented the Carthage Eagles (Women's Team) with determination and passion. Eighteen years later, she's preparing for another TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON with a clear goal: to take Tunisia to the next level. Far from resting on her laurels, the player, who trained in Médenine and later played in Europe (notably in Turkey and France), continues to evolve her game while mentoring younger players, especially those from the diaspora. In this exclusive interview, Mariem Houij shares her most memorable moments, her ambitions for the next tournament, her deep connection to the national jersey, and her role in passing on knowledge. As soon as someone says "Mariem Houij", the first image that comes to mind is your lightning-fast goal – the fastest ever in the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals. Is this something people still talk to you about? Mariem Houij: That goal is undeniably a historic moment in my career and in the history of the WAFCON. People still talk to me about it today in Tunisia. It's always gratifying to see how much it impacted people. How do you feel approaching this upcoming TotalEnergies WAFCON?I'm training seriously, even though the national league season is over, because we'll be facing top-tier teams like Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana. As a striker, I aim to contribute positively to the team's performance by scoring goals to raise the profile of our team and promote Tunisian women's football. What does it mean to you to wear the Tunisian jersey in such a prestigious competition? Wearing the Tunisian jersey has always been a childhood dream. I've been with the national team for a long time, and I still feel immense pride every time I'm called up. Competing in continental tournaments and scoring goals there is a real privilege. The feeling never gets old—it grows stronger each time. How did you prepare mentally and physically for the tournament?I've dedicated these past two months to optimal physical preparation. Mentally, just hearing the Tunisian national anthem is enough to fire me up. It gives me the energy and drive to represent our country with determination. Tunisia is in Group B with Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana. What are your thoughts on this group? Nigeria is the most decorated team in the WAFCON. In the last edition, they were eliminated in the semifinals by host nation Morocco. We beat Botswana in a friendly last year in Tunis. As for Algeria, their playing style is similar to ours, and we've won both of our recent matches against them. That said, official matches are completely different from friendlies. Our coaching staff is analysing every opponent in detail to prepare us well. What are Tunisia's goals for this TotalEnergies WAFCON?We want to deliver a strong performance and reach the knockout stages. In the last edition, we made it past the group stage for the first time in 12 years before being knocked out by the defending champions, South Africa. That was a major step forward. Now, we aim to go even further and make our country proud. What do you see as the strengths of your team? It's hard to reveal specific strengths, but what really sets us apart is our unity, our teamwork, and the absence of ego. We're a cohesive group without a "star system" – and that's our biggest strength. What lessons did you take from the 2022 edition in Morocco?Many players from the current squad weren't there in 2022, but the team spirit remains the same. We're focused on improving our fitness because playing six matches in two weeks requires serious preparation. Our coaching staff plays a key role in refining our tactical approach. How do you see the evolution of women's football in Tunisia in recent years? The federation is giving more attention to women's football now. Today, 22 players in the national team play for professional clubs. Some of us, including me, started in Tunisia and then moved abroad, which shows how much progress has been made. Ten years ago, only two or three players were playing outside the country. That says a lot. As a senior player, do you feel a special responsibility toward younger players?Absolutely. I need to support them, especially those who have never lived in Tunisia or don't speak Arabic. It's essential to remind them of the meaning of our mission and the hopes we carry. This shared awareness pushes us to always give our best. What are your personal goals for this TotalEnergies WAFCON? I never approach a competition with a personal mindset. My goal is above all collective – to help our team shine. As a striker, of course I want to score, and I work hard at it. I'd love to replicate the historic goal I scored in the last edition and keep my status as top scorer, just like in the qualifiers where I scored six goals in four matches. Do you have a role model or a player who inspires you in your career? If so, why? Nowadays, the level in women's football is pretty balanced, but if I had to name one icon, it would be Marta Vieira da Silva. She's a huge inspiration for the whole women's football community because of her talent and longevity. What is your best memory with the national team? Without hesitation, my goal in the 2022 edition. It's etched in my memory. Achieving something like that in such a short time is a challenge in itself, and I'd love to experience that kind of moment again. If you could dream up the perfect scenario for this TotalEnergies WAFCON, what would it look like? The ideal scenario would be reaching the final. We have a strong, long-standing group that has been reinforced with new players due to the postponement of the 2024 edition to 2025. We're ready to take on the challenge and give Tunisia—and the entire continent—a memorable performance. What would you say to the young Mariem Houij who dreamed of becoming a professional footballer? I'd tell her to persevere, be patient, and never pay attention to discouraging words. Only hard work pays off. With courage and discipline, dreams are within reach.
