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CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
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. 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.
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
All eyes on Qatar-Bahrain final as Arab Handball Cup ends
KUWAIT CITY, May 10: The curtain falls tonight on the 10th Arab Handball Cup for Men, as the highly anticipated final takes place at 7:00 PM at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. The decisive clash will feature Qatar taking on Bahrain, with the Qatari "Annabi" team aiming to claim their first-ever Arab Cup title, while the Bahraini "Reds" look to secure their second championship win. Prior to the final, the third-place match will be held between host nation Kuwait and Egypt, who both fell short in the semi-finals. The championship, which began on May 5, featured nine participating teams, divided into three groups. The top teams from each group and the best-performing runner-up advanced to the semi-finals. In the semi-final matches, Qatar defeated Egypt 25–19 to book their place in the final, while Bahrain overcame a determined Kuwaiti side 29–24 to advance. In the classification matches for 5th–9th place: The Tunisian "Carthage Eagles" beat the Moroccan "Atlas Lions" 35–32. The Saudi "Green" topped the Iraqi "Lions of Mesopotamia" 25–20. This is the 10th edition of the Arab Championship. Here's the golden rule: Egypt: 2 titles (1975, 1977) Kuwait: 2 titles (1979, 1988) Tunisia: 2 titles (1986, 1993) Saudi Arabia: 1 title (1998) Algeria: 1 title (2000) Bahrain: 1 title (2002 – the last edition before the current revival) Nabil Ashour, President of the UAE Handball Federation, extended heartfelt thanks to the State of Kuwait, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti government, sports leaders, and the Kuwait Handball Federation for their excellent organization of the tournament. He said, 'We are thrilled to witness the return of the Arab Championship after 23 years. It was a tournament of outstanding technical level and flawless organization.' 'From the first day, we felt the warmth, love, and generosity of our Kuwaiti brothers. This tournament brought Arab nations closer together in a land known for its friendship and peace.' He concluded by saying that the championship's success will serve as a solid foundation for Kuwait's hosting of the 22nd Asian Championship in January 2026, which will also act as a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup.
CAF
04-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia bounce back to beat Kenya and revive U-20 AFCON hopes
Published: Sunday, 04 May 2025 Tunisia came from behind to claim a much-needed 3-1 victory over Kenya in their second Group B match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 on Sunday at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo. After a narrow opening-day defeat to Nigeria, Tunisia entered the match desperate to avoid a second successive loss. Their response was emphatic in the second half, as goals from Omar Ben Ali and Alaeddine Derbali secured all three points for the North Africans. Kenya had struck first in a lively encounter. Lawrence Ouma gave the East Africans a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute, pouncing from close range after a smart assist by Hassan Beja. It was a reward for a bright first-half showing by Kenya, who had also impressed in their opening 3-2 defeat to Morocco. However, Tunisia found a route back into the game just before half-time through a penalty converted by Farès Bousnina, following a VAR review for handball by Baron Ochieng in the box. The equaliser shifted momentum Tunisia's way going into the break. The Carthage Eagles emerged dominant after the restart. They introduced substitutes Omar Ben Ali and Alaeddine Derbali, who made an immediate impact. Ben Ali made it 2-1 in the 70th minute with a composed finish from close range after persistent attacking pressure. Derbali then sealed the victory five minutes from time with a spectacular long-range strike that flew into the top corner, capping a confident second-half performance from Tunisia and ending a four-match winless run at the finals. Kenya, who had started the match with attacking flair, faded as the second half progressed and were unable to replicate their early energy. They remain without a point from two matches and now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages. Tunisia's win lifts them to three points in Group B ahead of the crucial clash between Nigeria and Morocco later tonight, with all four teams still in contention.
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia U-20 Profile: Junior Carthage Eagles out to reclaim continental pedigree
Tunisia return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with fresh ambition and a renewed focus on restoring their status in youth football. Drawn into a highly competitive Group B alongside Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya, the Carthage Eagles will be banking on their mix of local and Europe-based talent to make a deep run in Egypt 2025. Coach Mejdi Traoui's side is targeting a top-four finish and a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year. TUNISIA Tunisia return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with renewed determination and a golden opportunity to reignite their youth football legacy. The North African side will feature in the tournament's 2025 edition in Egypt after gaining entry under unusual circumstances—but they are fully focused on making the most of the chance. Tunisia have been drawn in Group B, alongside continental heavyweights Nigeria and Morocco, as well as a rapidly improving Kenya side. Led by former international Mejdi Traoui, Tunisia bring a mix of domestic and European-based talent into the competition, hoping to reach the semi-finals and secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Tunisia's path to Egypt 2025 was anything but straightforward. After finishing third in the UNAF U-20 Championship—behind Egypt and Morocco—they initially missed out on automatic qualification. However, when Cote d'Ivoire withdrew as hosts of the tournament, a spot opened up, and Tunisia were granted entry. During the UNAF qualifiers, Tunisia recorded victories over Libya and Algeria, but also showed defensive vulnerability, scoring and conceding five goals apiece. The campaign revealed both their attacking promise and the need for greater consistency. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This marks Tunisia's ninth appearance at the U-20 AFCON, with their first dating back to 1979. Their best result came in 1985, when they reached the final but fell short against Nigeria. In recent years, Tunisia have twice finished in the semi-finals, earning fourth place and subsequently qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Their history shows a team capable of competing at the highest level when they find their rhythm. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Khalil Ayari – The 20-year-old winger from Stade Tunisien is known for his electric pace, one-on-one ability, and direct style of play. He offers a consistent threat down the flanks. Louey Ben Farhat – A rising star based in Germany, the 18-year-old midfielder from Karlsruhe U-19 has scored 13 goals in 27 games this season. His creative passing and eye for goal make him a key figure in Tunisia's midfield. Youssef Becha – The CS Sfaxien winger is a skillful dribbler who thrives in wide spaces. His agility and delivery from the wings could prove decisive in tight matches. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Head coach Mejdi Traoui brings valuable top-flight experience from stints with Esperance de Tunis and the Tunisian senior national team. His tactical style is based on quick transitions, positional fluidity, and aggressive pressing. Traoui prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation that encourages creative freedom in the final third, while maintaining defensive discipline through a solid midfield base. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Drawn into a formidable Group B with Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya, Tunisia face one of the most competitive pools in the tournament. Each match will demand tactical precision and mental fortitude. Nonetheless, Tunisia aim to reach the semi-finals, which would secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. With their technical players and experienced coach, Tunisia enter the tournament as one of the potential dark horses.
CAF
20-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia, Madagascar secure crucial wins in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Cameroon stumble
Tunisia edged past Liberia 1-0, Madagascar cruised to a 4-1 win over the Central African Republic, while Cameroon were held to a shock goalless draw against Eswatini in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Hazem Mastouri's early strike secured Tunisia's hard-fought victory in Monrovia, keeping them top of Group H with 13 points. Madagascar's dominant display in Group I, led by Rayan Raveloson's brace, propelled them to first place, while Cameroon's failure to break down bottom-placed Eswatini leaves them frustrated in Group D. Tunisia's Early Strike Enough in Monrovia Tunisia's trip to Liberia proved successful as they secured a narrow 1-0 win at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Complex. The Carthage Eagles struck early, with Mastouri finishing off a well-worked move in the fourth minute following high pressing from Hannibal Mejbri. The visitors came close to doubling their lead, with Naïm Sliti hitting the crossbar before halftime. Liberia, however, pushed for an equaliser, dominating possession but failing to break through Tunisia's compact defensive setup. Aymen Dahmen made crucial saves in the 37th and 41st minutes to deny the hosts. In the second half, Tunisia absorbed pressure and nearly sealed the win late on through Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who fluffed a golden opportunity. The win cements Tunisia's grip on Group H, with a clash against Malawi up next, while Liberia face Sao Tome and Principe. Madagascar Run Riot in Group I Madagascar produced a commanding 4-1 victory over the Central African Republic to claim the top spot in Group I. The match began with an early shock as Gabor gave the Central Africans the lead in the ninth minute. However, Madagascar responded emphatically, with captain Raveloson scoring twice before the break. The Barea continued their dominance in the second half, adding two more goals to seal a resounding win. Their solid defence nullified any hopes of a comeback for their opponents. This crucial victory boosts Madagascar's hopes of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. Cameroon Frustrated in Eswatini Stalemate Meanwhile, Cameroon were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by bottom-placed Eswatini in Group D. The Indomitable Lions struggled to find a breakthrough, despite dominating possession. The result keeps them at the top of the group with nine points from five matches but gives Eswatini their first point of the campaign. The group's other Matchday 5 fixtures will be played on Wednesday, with Cameroon needing to bounce back quickly to maintain their lead. With qualification hopes at stake, Tunisia and Madagascar strengthened their positions, while Cameroon's setback leaves them with work to do as the road to the 2026 World Cup intensifies.
