Tunisia's difficult start to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign deepened on Monday as Botswana fought back to claim a 2-2 draw in Rades — leaving the Eagles of Carthage without a win after two matches.

Tunisia had taken control of the contest through Hazem Mastouri, who scored twice — either side of halftime — to overturn a 37th-minute opener from Thatayaone Kgamanyane. The Zebras, however, refused to fold. Lebogang Ditsele levelled on the hour mark to earn Botswana a point that matched their resilience on the night.

Group H standings and what they mean

The draw leaves both sides on two points in Group H, with Uganda and Libya set to meet on Tuesday. Tunisia opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against co-hosts Uganda, while Botswana previously shared the spoils 2-2 with Libya.

There is a significant complication running through this group: Uganda are already guaranteed a place at the finals as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Tanzania. That means only the highest-placed side outside of Uganda will qualify from Group H — making every point in the remaining four matches critical for Tunisia, Botswana, and Libya.

Elsewhere on Matchday 2

DR Congo extended their perfect record with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe in Harare. Yoane Wissa scored one and created another for Samuel Moutoussamy before Marshall Munetsi gave the hosts a late consolation. DR Congo sit top of Group E with six points, while Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea follow on three each. Sierra Leone are yet to open their account.

Equatorial Guinea claimed their first victory of the campaign in Group E, with Loren Zuniga scoring inside the opening minute to seal a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone in neutral Yaounde.

In Group F, Burkina Faso moved to four points after teenager Aboubacar Camara — in only his second senior international — struck on the hour mark to down Central African Republic 1-0 in Casablanca. Mauritania, on three points, and Benin, on one, complete their Matchday 2 fixtures when they meet in Abidjan on Tuesday.