Brave Warriors’ World Cup hopes end despite strong finish

Namibia’s Brave Warriors saw their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign come to an end following a 3-0 defeat to Tunisia at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès on Monday.Tunisia, unbeaten in Group H, claimed their ninth win in ten qualifiers to finish top of the group, 13 points clear of Namibia. The Eagles of Carthage took control after a balanced opening ten minutes.The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Hannibal Mejbri was fouled inside the area, allowing Ali Al-Abdi to convert a penalty and send the goalkeeper the wrong way. Tunisia dominated the remainder of the first half, creating further opportunities while maintaining possession.After the break, Tunisia continued their dominance. Mejbri doubled the lead in the 55th minute, before Ferjani Sassi sealed the 3-0 victory in the 64th minute. The hosts then controlled the game to secure a clean sheet on home soil.Despite the defeat, Namibia finished second in Group H after a gruelling schedule of ten matches, recording four wins, three draws, and three losses, with 13 goals scored and 11 conceded. Their points tally, however, was insufficient to qualify for the World Cup play-offs.Tunisia scorers: Al-Abdi 28’ (pen), Mejbri 55’, Sassi 64’Final score: Tunisia 3 – 0 NamibiaNamibia line-up: Ndisiro, Hanamub, K. Amutenya, Hambira (Shidolo 67’), Katua, Hotto (Kulula 86’), P. Amutenya, Petrus, Fredericks (Ndeunyema 63’), Muzeu (Karuombe 63’), Shalulile (Hambongo 86’)Tunisia line-up: Dahmen, Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi, Laidouni (Skhiri 46’), Sassi (Neffati 81’), Tounekti (Sliti 46’), Mejbri, Saad (Gharbi 65’), Mastouri (Chaouat 72’)Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin praised Tunisia while expressing frustration over a pivotal moment that shaped the match.“I want to congratulate coach Trabelsi and his team for qualifying for the World Cup. We wish them all the best and will be rooting for them, along with all other African nations,” Benjamin said.Reflecting on the defeat, he added, “today’s match had an unnecessary penalty in the 27th minute. Up until then, it was a good game for my guys. We started very well, with good shape and structure. But the penalty killed the game. We then conceded the second and third goals. Tunisia has quality players and has developed well, but that penalty ultimately decided the match. With all that said, I still congratulate Tunisia for the win.”The Brave Warriors’ campaign ends with pride as they finish second in the group, falling short of the World Cup play-offs but gaining valuable experience for the squad’s young talent.

Brave Warriors’ World Cup hopes end despite strong finish

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Republikein 2026-02-02

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Brave Warriors’ World Cup hopes end despite strong finish

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