Video: Tunisia continue to stumble with fresh setback against Botswana

Tunisia's stuttering start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers rolled on Monday evening as they were held to a 2-2 draw by visitors Botswana at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès. The second-round stalemate cost the Eagles of Carthage two more points, leaving them with just two from their opening two matches.

Botswana struck first in the 38th minute through Thatayaone Kgamanyane, who pounced on a Tunisian defensive error. The hosts hit back six minutes later. Hazem Mastouri climbed above his marker to head home a cross, sending the sides in level at 1-1.

Chasing a lead after the break, Tunisia found one almost immediately. Mastouri struck again in the 49th minute to put the Eagles of Carthage in front, an advantage they hoped to protect to the finish. Botswana had other ideas and kept hunting for a leveller.

Lebogang Ditsele got it in the 60th minute, dragging the match back to square one. Tunisia pushed to reclaim the lead but could not fashion enough danger at the visitors' goal, and the game finished 2-2 to the dismay of the home crowd.

Mouine Chaabani's side were poor for long stretches. Well below the level expected of them, they failed to make home advantage or the backing of their fans count, and mustered barely a handful of attacking chances until the closing minutes.

This latest slip extends a troubled campaign. Tunisia opened with a 1-1 home draw against Uganda, and their tally now stands at just two points, level with Botswana, who drew their own first-round tie 2-2 with Libya. The group remains wide open after two rounds.