In the final tune-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Tunisia defeated Botswana 2-1 in a closed door friendly. This victory highlights Tunisia's AFCON tune-up success.

Two goals from Naïm Sliti, including a late winning penalty in the ninety-fourth minute. Tumisang Orebonye scored the lone goal for Botswana.

Tunisia enter AFCON in incredible form. This excludes the Arab Cup, which did not feature the full squad. It emphasises Tunisia's strategic tune-up for AFCON.

The Carthage Eagles are coming off this victory and an impressive draw against Brazil. In this match, they dominated the first half. Their outstanding World Cup qualifying campaign saw them collect twenty-eight of a possible thirty points. Consequently, they comfortably secured qualification.

Tunisia has been viewed as a dark horse to win the tournament. Based on the form the team brings into AFCON, it should be considered a legitimate contender.

While Tunisia may not possess the star power of Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria or Algeria, the squad has quality across the pitch. It has shown it can compete with Africa’s top teams.

This tournament is not only an opportunity to compete for the Africa Cup of Nations title. It also serves as a strong litmus test ahead of the World Cup. Tunisia has been drawn into a group featuring the Netherlands, Japan, and an as-yet-undetermined UEFA opponent.

Botswana enters AFCON in far less convincing form, especially when compared to Tunisia's AFCON tune-up successes.

The Zebras finished second to last in their World Cup qualifying group, ahead of only Somalia. They managed just ten points in the campaign.

Despite those struggles, Botswana scrapped its way into the Africa Cup of Nations. They did this by finishing one point ahead of Mauritania in AFCON qualifying.

The side now heads to Morocco with the goal of making life difficult for tournament favourites.

Both teams face challenging group stages at AFCON. Tunisia finds itself in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, gearing up for the AFCON challenge post tune-up.

Botswana will compete in Group D with Benin, DR Congo and Senegal. According to the latest

Tunisia opens its Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Uganda on Dec. 23 in Rabat. Botswana begins its tournament against Senegal as it looks to pull off one of the competition’s early surprises.