Tunisia will enter into their second group match in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they seek a quick response to their opening defeat at the hands of Namibia when they take on Mali at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Saturday.
The Carthage Eagles were stunned by Namibia on Tuesday, while Mali secured a routine victory over South Africa in the first round of fixtures in Group E.
Tunisia were tipped to mop the floor with Namibia but were shocked as they succumbed to a defeat against the unflinching Southern African nation.
The defeat was well deserved, with the less fancied Brave Warriors’ creating a farm of goalscoring opportunities before finally bringing the dagger beneath Tunisia’s throat to go in front through Deon Hotto in the 88th minute to secure their first-ever victory at the AFCON.
Jalel Kadri's men have put themselves in a precarious position and must doll-out an outstanding showing to defeat one of AFCON 2023's most ruthless sides.
Mali's intense pressing made their opponents - South Africa useless, with the Eagles forcing down 11 high turnovers in their 2-0 win over less-fancied Bafana Bafana.
The Southern African nation opening game could have panned out differently, but key cog - Percy Tau missed a rare 19th-minute penalty for the 1996 African champions with the game still goalless, and the Eagles punished them after recess.
Eric Chelle's troops will seek to progress to the first knockout round with a win, even if a point puts them in a favourable position to progress if they lose in the final game against Namibia.
Mali have never progressed to the first knockout round in three consecutive tournaments, a statistic they are optimistic to change with a positive result against Tunisia on Saturday night.
Head-to-head, the Eagles are undefeated in their previous two Nations Cup meetings with the North African side, defeating the 2004 champions 1-0 at the last edition, and a similar outcome will please Chelle and his men.
Team News
Taha Yassine Khenissi was substituted after 15 minutes against Namibia, and the striker is not expected back in the team for Tunisia's second game against Mali.
Haythem Jouini might replace Khenissi in the fierce battle of the two Eagles.
Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko who scored in their first game against Bafana Bafana should retain their spots in Saturday's clash after creating loads of goalscoring chances against South Africa.
Yves Bissouma, who won seven of nine ground duels in Mali's triumph over Bafana Bafana, should be handed a starting berth for the Eagles in midfield.
Tunisia possible starting lineup: Said; Kechrida, Meriah, Talbi, Maaloul; Slimane, Skhiri, Laidouni; Achouri, Jouini, Msakni
Mali possible starting lineup: Diarra; Traore, Kouyate, Niakata, Sacko; Dieng, Bissouma, Haidara; Doumbia; Sinayoko, Koita
Kick-Off:
Sat, 20 January 2024 at 8:00 PM (20:00GMT)
Mali vs South Africa – Where to watch?
TV Channel: GTV Sports plus, DStv and other local channels.
By: Pascal Amoah
