Tunisia U23 opened their AFRNC U23 campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Benin U23 on September 30, 2026, at the Stade Olympique de Radès. The home side scored once in each half to secure all three points in a match that showcased their attacking depth and defensive discipline.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Tunisia U23 took command of possession and never truly relinquished it. Benin U23 set up in a compact 4-4-2 block, hoping to frustrate their hosts and spring counterattacks through the pace of their wide players. But Tunisia’s midfield trio of Youssef Ben Ali, Ahmed Jaziri, and Mohamed Amine Tougai dictated the tempo, circulating the ball quickly and forcing Benin into long spells of chasing.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Walid Azarou latched onto a clever through ball from Jaziri, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted into an empty net. Benin’s best chance arrived just before halftime, but Tunisia’s goalkeeper Ali Ben Romdhane made a sharp save to preserve the lead.

Key Moments

• 27’ – Goal: Walid Azarou opens the scoring after a well-worked move through midfield.
• 43’ – Big save: Ben Romdhane denies Benin’s Kossi Adje from close range.
• 61’ – Goal: Substitute Hamza Rafia doubles the lead with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
• 78’ – Red card: Benin’s Rachidou Salifou is shown a second yellow for a late challenge, ending any hope of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Tunisia lined up in a flexible 4-3-3 that often shifted into a 3-2-5 in possession, with full-backs pushing high to pin Benin’s wingers back. The hosts completed 612 passes to Benin’s 287, and their pressing intensity forced 14 turnovers in the final third. Benin, meanwhile, struggled to string more than three passes together in midfield and were limited to speculative shots from distance.

After Rafia’s goal, Tunisia managed the game expertly, slowing the tempo and drawing fouls to kill any momentum. The introduction of Anis Ben Slimane added fresh legs in midfield, and Benin’s late red card made the final 12 minutes a formality.

Standout Players

• Walid Azarou (Tunisia U23): A constant menace in behind, his movement created space for the midfield and he took his goal clinically.
• Youssef Ben Ali (Tunisia U23): Dictated play from deep, completing 94% of his passes and registering the assist for the opener.
• Ali Ben Romdhane (Tunisia U23): Made three crucial saves, including a one-on-one stop that kept the score at 1-0 before halftime.
• Kossi Adje (Benin U23): Benin’s most dangerous outlet, using his pace to test Tunisia’s back line on the few occasions he received service.

Season and Table Impact

With this 2-0 result, Tunisia U23 move to the top of their AFRNC U23 group on three points, level with any other early winners but ahead on goal difference. Benin U23 sit bottom after the opening round and will need a response in their next fixture to keep qualification hopes alive. For Tunisia, the performance sends a clear message: they are serious contenders for the title.

The clean sheet also extends Tunisia’s unbeaten run in U23 competition to six matches, a streak that dates back to the previous qualifying cycle. Benin, meanwhile, have now failed to score in their last three U23 matches away from home.

What’s Next

Tunisia U23 will look to build on this win when they face their next group opponent, while Benin U23 must regroup quickly and find a way to convert their counterattacking chances. If Tunisia maintain this level of control and efficiency, they will be difficult to stop in the AFRNC U23 tournament.