Sao Tome & Principe vs Tunisia Match Preview: Predictions, Team News, and Lineups
In a World Cup Qualifying fixture for Africa, Sao Tome & Principe will host Tunisia. This match is set for Friday at the Stade Olympique de Rades. The clash serves as a dead rubber in Group H, where Tunisia has already secured their spot for the upcoming World Cup.
Sao Tome & Principe’s Qualification Struggles
Sao Tome & Principe has faced a challenging campaign. They currently sit at the bottom of Group H, having lost all eight of their matches. Their most recent defeat was a 3-0 loss to Namibia, extending their losing streak to eight consecutive games in World Cup qualifying. Overall, they have only scored four goals while conceding 20, marking them as one of the least effective teams in the competition.
Previous Encounter
In their last meeting, Tunisia defeated Sao Tome & Principe 4-0. This has raised concerns about their ability to compete again, especially given Tunisia’s strong form.
Tunisia’s Successful Campaign
Tunisia has been impressive in their qualifying matches. They became the second African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after securing a narrow 1-0 win against Equatorial Guinea, thanks to a last-minute goal from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. So far, Tunisia leads Group H with 22 points from seven wins and one draw, maintaining a remarkable defensive record without conceding a single goal.
Key Players and Team News
- Sao Tome & Principe: Expected to start with Yaniel Bonfim in goal. Vava Pequeno and Gilberto d’Almeida are anticipated to anchor the defense, with players like Andrade Male and Braganca contributing in midfield.
- Tunisia: They will likely field a strong squad, including regulars like Aissa Laidouni and Ferjani Sassi. Goalkeeper Dahman is expected to maintain a solid defense alongside Talbi and Ben Ouanes.
Match Prediction
The odds favor Tunisia to continue their unbeaten streak in this qualifying campaign. Given their form and performance, a predicted scoreline of 3-0 in favor of Tunisia appears likely. This match represents an opportunity for both teams to conclude their qualifying campaign on their terms, though the outcome seems clear.
