FCA stars reach AFCON round of 16
Gharbi finds the net for Tunisia
First Team
31.12.2025, 09:57
FCA players Samuel Essende, Elias Saad and Ismaël Gharbi have all qualified for the round-of-16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. DR Congo booked their place in the knockouts with a comfortable win, while Tunisia’s draw was enough for them to secure progression.
Tanzania 1-1 Tunisia
Tunisia made certain of their spot in the round of 16 with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in Rabat. The North African nation controlled large parts of proceedings in a contest that was short on goalmouth action; however, they rarely shifted into a high gear and seemed content with the result well before full-time. FCA’s Ismaël Gharbi provided the first half’s most eye-catching moments and rewarded himself for his endeavours when he converted from the penalty spot for the game’s opening goal (43’). Tanzania levelled the scores following the restart through Feisal Salum (48’).
Elias Saad did not make the squad for the “Eagles of Carthage” due to injury.
Tunisia are next in action on Saturday, 3rd January when they take on Mali in the tournament round of 16 (kick-off 20:00 CET).
Botswana 0-3 DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo saw off Botswana with little trouble as they emerged 3-0 winners, booking their place among the AFCON’s last 16 in the process. DR Congo dominated from the off, barely giving their opponents any time on the ball. With the number of chances they did create, the score line could have been higher than it ultimately ended up. Nathanaël Mbuku of HSC Montpellier, but on-loan from FCA, got the ball rolling before Gaël Kakuta bagged a brace to cap a 3-0 win.
Samuel Essende continued to put Botswana under offensive pressure following his introduction from the bench in the 74th minute.
DR Congo will face AFCON 2019 winners Algeria on Tuesday, 6th January in the round of 16 (17:00 CET).
The Benin national team have also qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, progressing from their group as one of the best third-placed sides. Steve Mounié – currently on loan at Alanyaspor from FCA – continues to captain his nation, who fell to a 3-0 defeat in their final group game at the hands of Senegal.
