Preview

Data Analysis

 

Sports Mole previews Monday's World Cup Qualifying - Africa clash between Tunisia and Malawi, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Unbeaten Tunisia can take another step towards World Cup 2026 qualification when they host Malawi in a Group H meeting at 7 November Stadium on Monday.

The North Africans lead second-placed Namibia by two points at the halfway point, and the Eagles of Carthage look to claim their fifth victory in six matches at the expense of the Flames.

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Match preview

Despite struggling in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, where they ended second in a group that included Comoros, The Gambia, and Madagascar, Tunisia have been clinical and watertight at both ends in their quest for global finals participation.

Sami Trabelsi, back in the managerial dugout for a second spell following his February appointment, enjoyed a 1-0 success against Liberia in his first match back, keeping the North African side at the top of Group H.

This success, the Eagles of Carthage's fourth in five matches, continued the nation's run of games without conceding, and they aim to prevent the Flames from mounting a significant threat in Monday's encounter.

By defeating Liberia on Thursday, the Eagles of Carthage extended their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying to eight matches since a 1-0 defeat in Equatorial Guinea in November 2021, a sequence that has seen seven consecutive shutouts.

Recognising their defensive strength, the North African nation hope to record an eighth consecutive clean sheet to potentially extend their two-point lead at the top of Group H.

Kalisto Pasuwa's men suffered consecutive 1-0 defeats to Namibia at home, following their loss to Equatorial Guinea in June 2024.

Having started qualifying with two wins from three, but losing the reverse fixture to Monday's opponents in Lilongwe, the Flames had an outside chance of reaching the global tournament for the first time.

However, they now sit seven points behind the Group H-leading Eagles of Carthage as they head into the sixth round of fixtures, a gap that could extend to 10 if they fall in Tunis.

The precedent is unfavourable for the away side, who have faced defeats in two of their last three recorded visits to face the North Africans, including a staggering 7-0 loss in March 2005.

While the Flames avoided defeat on their last visit to Tunis, playing out a 2-2 draw in AFCON qualifying in September 2010, a similar outcome would be welcomed by Pasuwa'S side, who aim to be the team that breaks the Eagles' defensive hold.