Tunisian star Mariem Houij dreams even bigger

• Mariem Houij holds the record for the fastest goal in the history of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (TotalEnergies)
• A quarterfinalist in 2022, she now aims to go even further in the competition
• She also discusses her role within the Carthage Eagles (Women’s Team)

If there were a single moment to sum up Mariem Houij’s career, it would probably be this one: a sprint, a crisp strike, and a goal scored just 17 seconds into the game against Togo during the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – the fastest goal in the tournament’s history. 

That goal went viral and became a symbol of a player who constantly pushes her limits. At 30, the Tunisian striker is much more than a goal-scorer. She is a cornerstone, a role model, and an inspiration for a whole generation of young girls who dream of following in her footsteps.

Since her debut with the national team, Mariem Houij has tirelessly represented the Carthage Eagles (Women’s Team) with determination and passion. Eighteen years later, she’s preparing for another TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON with a clear goal: to take Tunisia to the next level. Far from resting on her laurels, the player, who trained in Médenine and later played in Europe (notably in Turkey and France), continues to evolve her game while mentoring younger players, especially those from the diaspora.

In this exclusive interview, Mariem Houij shares her most memorable moments, her ambitions for the next tournament, her deep connection to the national jersey, and her role in passing on knowledge. 

CAFOnline.com: As soon as someone says "Mariem Houij", the first image that comes to mind is your lightning-fast goal – the fastest ever in the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals. Is this something people still talk to you about?

Mariem Houij: That goal is undeniably a historic moment in my career and in the history of the WAFCON. People still talk to me about it today in Tunisia. It’s always gratifying to see how much it impacted people.

How do you feel approaching this upcoming TotalEnergies WAFCON?
I’m training seriously, even though the national league season is over, because we’ll be facing top-tier teams like Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana. As a striker, I aim to contribute positively to the team’s performance by scoring goals to raise the profile of our team and promote Tunisian women’s football.

What does it mean to you to wear the Tunisian jersey in such a prestigious competition?
Wearing the Tunisian jersey has always been a childhood dream. I’ve been with the national team for a long time, and I still feel immense pride every time I’m called up. Competing in continental tournaments and scoring goals there is a real privilege. The feeling never gets old—it grows stronger each time.

How did you prepare mentally and physically for the tournament?
I’ve dedicated these past two months to optimal physical preparation. Mentally, just hearing the Tunisian national anthem is enough to fire me up. It gives me the energy and drive to represent our country with determination.

Tunisia is in Group B with Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana. What are your thoughts on this group?
Nigeria is the most decorated team in the WAFCON. In the last edition, they were eliminated in the semifinals by host nation Morocco. We beat Botswana in a friendly last year in Tunis. As for Algeria, their playing style is similar to ours, and we’ve won both of our recent matches against them. That said, official matches are completely different from friendlies. Our coaching staff is analysing every opponent in detail to prepare us well.

What are Tunisia’s goals for this TotalEnergies WAFCON?
We want to deliver a strong performance and reach the knockout stages. In the last edition, we made it past the group stage for the first time in 12 years before being knocked out by the defending champions, South Africa. That was a major step forward. Now, we aim to go even further and make our country proud.

What do you see as the strengths of your team?
It’s hard to reveal specific strengths, but what really sets us apart is our unity, our teamwork, and the absence of ego. We’re a cohesive group without a "star system" – and that’s our biggest strength.

What lessons did you take from the 2022 edition in Morocco?
Many players from the current squad weren’t there in 2022, but the team spirit remains the same. We’re focused on improving our fitness because playing six matches in two weeks requires serious preparation. Our coaching staff plays a key role in refining our tactical approach.

How do you see the evolution of women’s football in Tunisia in recent years?
The federation is giving more attention to women’s football now. Today, 22 players in the national team play for professional clubs. Some of us, including me, started in Tunisia and then moved abroad, which shows how much progress has been made. Ten years ago, only two or three players were playing outside the country. That says a lot.

As a senior player, do you feel a special responsibility toward younger players?
Absolutely. I need to support them, especially those who have never lived in Tunisia or don’t speak Arabic. It’s essential to remind them of the meaning of our mission and the hopes we carry. This shared awareness pushes us to always give our best.

What are your personal goals for this TotalEnergies WAFCON?
I never approach a competition with a personal mindset. My goal is above all collective – to help our team shine. As a striker, of course I want to score, and I work hard at it. I’d love to replicate the historic goal I scored in the last edition and keep my status as top scorer, just like in the qualifiers where I scored six goals in four matches.

Do you have a role model or a player who inspires you in your career? If so, why?
Nowadays, the level in women’s football is pretty balanced, but if I had to name one icon, it would be Marta Vieira da Silva. She’s a huge inspiration for the whole women’s football community because of her talent and longevity.

What is your best memory with the national team?
Without hesitation, my goal in the 2022 edition. It’s etched in my memory. Achieving something like that in such a short time is a challenge in itself, and I’d love to experience that kind of moment again.

If you could dream up the perfect scenario for this TotalEnergies WAFCON, what would it look like?
The ideal scenario would be reaching the final. We have a strong, long-standing group that has been reinforced with new players due to the postponement of the 2024 edition to 2025. We’re ready to take on the challenge and give Tunisia—and the entire continent—a memorable performance.

What would you say to the young Mariem Houij who dreamed of becoming a professional footballer?
I’d tell her to persevere, be patient, and never pay attention to discouraging words. Only hard work pays off. With courage and discipline, dreams are within reach.