U17 AFCON: Tunisia make convincing start with a 3-0 win over Somalia

Tunisia made a flying start to their TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Somalia on Tuesday in El Jadida.

A brace from Fedi Tayechi and a goal from Anisse Saidi sealed all three points for the North Africans, who now sit top of Group C on goal difference ahead of Senegal, who edged Gambia earlier in the day.

Tayechi opened the scoring in the sixth minute, pouncing on a rebound after Saidi’s shot was saved, calmly finishing from the centre of the box.

Tunisia continued to press and were rewarded just before half-time when Saidi doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, converting a fine assist from Tayechi after sustained pressure.

Tunisia’s dominance continued after the break. Tayechi grabbed his second of the match—and Tunisia’s third—in the 58th minute with a low drive into the bottom corner following a clever pass from Wassim Tissa.

The goal was initially reviewed by VAR before being awarded, confirming Tunisia’s commanding lead.

Saidi thought he had added a fourth in the 71st minute, but the goal was chalked off for offside following another VAR review.

Somalia showed moments of promise, including a dangerous long-range effort from Anas Isse and a late flurry in stoppage time, but the Tunisian defence remained resolute.

With this result, Tunisia take control of Group C and will look to maintain their momentum in their next clash.

Somalia, meanwhile, will need a positive response in their upcoming fixture to keep their knockout hopes alive.