Tunisia – Algeria: One Border, One Match, Two Visions

They know each other. Too well, perhaps. Between Kamel Saada's Tunisia and Farid Benstiti's Algeria, they share parallel stories. Players who have passed through the same training centers, the same French clubs. 

Sometimes even the same locker rooms. But on Thursday at 5pm (local time), at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, the time for shared memories will be put aside. They will have to choose a side, assert their identity. And perhaps save their AFCON.

This Maghreb derby, the first ever between the neighbouring nations in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals, is not just a regional matchup. It is a crossroads for two teams on opposite paths: Tunisia, seeking redemption after a poor start against Nigeria (0-3), and Algeria dreaming of confirming their important victory against Botswana (1-0). A stunned but not resigned Tunisia. 

At the press conference this Wednesday morning, Saada did not shy away from the reality on the ground. "Yes, the score against Nigeria was heavy but it does not tell the whole story. For 60 minutes, we held our own, we were disciplined. There were mistakes, yes, but the team responded with the right spirit."

A spirited fight is what will need to be mobilized again, more than ever. Because the statistics are relentless: Tunisia has lost four consecutive matches at the WAFCON finals without scoring a single goal. 

The last time the Carthage Eagles found the back of the net was in their 4-1 victory against Togo in 2022. Since then, they have suffered 388 minutes of offensive impotence. Against Nigeria, Tunisia did not put a single shot on target, completed only 97 passes—the lowest total of any team over the last two editions—and had only 28% possession. "It is not enough, of course. But we do not play against a team like Nigeria every day," Saada argued. "Against Algeria, it will be a completely different match. A match we want to win."

Farid Benstiti: "Tunisia deserves respect"

On the Algerian side, the tone was firm but measured. Algeria, with a squad heavily structured around an Algerian-Franco framework, started their competition on a positive note. A goal from Ghoutia Karchouni, a well-organized team, a straightforward but incredibly valuable victory (1-0 against Botswana).

"It is the WAFCON, not an exhibition tournament," Farid Benstiti expressed. "What matters is the result." Winning 1-0 is sometimes better than winning 4-0 without controlling anything."

However, the former PSG coach refuses to hear talk of favouritism. "I am more worried about the match against Tunisia than the one against Nigeria. Because we know this team. We have played them twice recently. We lost once, drew another. They are solid, well-organized. They won't give us any concessions."

Inès Belloumou: "We can't mess this up"

Inès Belloumou, Malmö's left-back, was one of the standout players in the first match, with 89 touches on the ball and a constant influence down the left flank. She also talks about this match with a mixture of concentration and pride.

"Tunisia-Algeria is not just a group match. It is a match we know and look forward to. We shall be up against familiar faces, former teammates." But once on the pitch, there are no more friends. Just opponents."

Chrini Lamti, the Tunisian heart

Facing a well-established Algeria, Tunisia will rely on the fighting spirit and vision of Chrini Lamti, their most reliable midfielder. Her ability to break lines, to slow down when necessary, and to cover spaces in transition will be decisive. "The squad wants to do everything possible to win. We know that there are expectations of us that we have to show something different," she says simply.

Saada, for her part, knows that her players have more talent than what they displayed against Nigeria. "We must not fall into the trap of fear. We have to be daring. Play our game, take risks."

Key points to note

Physically, Algeria seem more ready. Against Botswana, they imposed their pace, recording 336 successful passes at a 77.8% accuracy rate, with seven shots on target. In contrast, Tunisia seemed out of it. But the context of a derby could erase this difference.

Tactically, the two teams play in a fairly similar style: a compact midfield, a game based on transitions, and attacking packs that quickly advance. The difference could be made in the penalty areas, where Algeria seems to have more bearings and realism.

Mentally, finally, everything is open. Benstiti insists: "This kind of match is also won with heart. We have to be mentally strong." He is wary of the conditions: "The 5pm kickoff, the heat... It is a factor to manage, but it is the same for both teams. At this stage, the mental strength will make the difference."

If Algeria win, they could secure their place in the quarterfinals as early as this Thursday and thus achieve an unprecedented performance, as les Vertes have never qualified for the knockout stages of the WAFCON. A draw would leave them in a favourable position before facing Nigeria.

Tunisia, meanwhile, have their backs against the wall. A second defeat, and the doors to elimination would open dangerously wide. But a victory in the derby would change everything: it would revive the momentum, offer a breath of hope, and prove that this generation can still write history.