Namibia’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign came to an end with a 3-0 defeat to Tunisia yesterday afternoon at Stade olympique Hammadi-Agrebi in Tunis.

The hosts sealed the win through goals from Ali Elabdi in the 28th minute, Hannibal Mejbri in the 56th, and Ferjani Sassi in the 63rd. It was a comfortable performance by the Carthage Eagles, who wrapped up Group H with an impressive record of nine wins from 10 matches, no defeats, 22 goals scored and none conceded.

Tunisia now turn their focus to the 2026 Fifa World Cup, set to take place across Mexico, Canada and the USA next year.

The Brave Warriors finished second in Group H, 13 points behind the North Africans, and missed out on a place in the additional qualification playoff tournament.

Head coach Collin Benjamin congratulated his Tunisian counterpart Sami Trabelsi, but expressed disappointment with the officiating.

“Today’s match was tough. I believe the penalty awarded against us was unnecessary, it completely changed the game. My players started well, with good shape and structure, but that decision was, in my view, incorrect and it killed the game.

“After that, it became very difficult to come back against a strong Tunisian side, and that’s how the second and third goals came. I don’t think we played poorly at all; if it wasn’t for that penalty, it could have been a completely different match. It wasn’t fair. 

“I don’t think it was a weak team it would have been a different match if it wasn’t for the penalty. It killed the game and that was not fair. The penalty came from nothing,” said Benjamin.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na