Tunisia will begin their bid for a second Africa Cup of Nations title when they take on Namibia in the tournament's ninth game at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on Tuesday.
Tunisia will be heading into the Group E encounter in great shape as they are unbeaten in their last four games - including two international friendly matches (W3, D1).
The Carthage Eagles partook and topped Group J during the qualifying stage, bagging 13 points in six games. However, Jalel Kadri’s men notched eleven goals and conceded just one goal.
On the other hand, Namibia are going into the continental showpiece in poor form. They have recorded just one win in their last five games in all competitions, including friendly games (One win, three draws and one defeat).
The Brave Warriors qualified for the Nations Cup from Group C. They scooped the second position in a group with Cameroon, Burundi and Kenya, who were disqualified.
The Carthage Eagles will be aiming to carry their current form into their Tuesday’s AFCON opener with the Berber support expected to be in full swing in the approach to facing Namibia.
As for the Brave Warriors, they aim to progress from the group stage for the first time at the fourth time of asking, having lost 5-1 to Morocco and 1-0 to Ghana but drew Guinea 1-1 in their last AFCON match in 2019.
Team News
So far there are no injuries in Tunisia’s squad and the Carthage Eagles are confident of having a successful start to the tournament.
Having no injury concerns means Namibia have a full-strength squad at their disposal. Gaffer Collin Benjamin will likely play the same starting XI against Tunisia that drew in their last warm-up friendly with Ghana.
Tunisia possible starting lineup:
Ben Said; Kechrida, Abdi, Meriah, Talbi, Laidouni, Shkhiri, Ben Romdhane, Sliti, Jouini, Achouri
Namibia possible starting lineup:
Ndisiro; Amutenya, Hanamub, Haukongo, Hotto, Limbondi, Nyambe, Petrus, Shalulile, Shitembi, Tjiueza
Kick-Off:
Tue, 16 January 2024 at 5:00 PM (17:00GMT)
Tunisia vs Namibia – Where to watch?
TV Channel: GTV Sports plus, DStv and other local channels.
By: Pascal Amoah
Follow me on Twitter: @NiiAmoah
