Tunisia seek a response to their opening defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Mali at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Saturday.
The Eagles of Carthage were stunned by Namibia on Tuesday, while the West African nation secured a routine victory over South Africa in the first round of fixtures in Group E.
Tunisia were meant to wipe the floor with Namibia but were on the receiving end of a loss against the Southern African nation.
The defeat was deserved, with the less fancied nation creating a glut of goalscoring chances before finally going in front through Deon Hotto in the 88th minute for the Brave Warriors’ first-ever victory at the Cup of Nations.
Jalel Kadri’s men must bounce back from the perceived ignominy to avoid a potential early exit at the finals, even if finishing third could still be enough if results elsewhere are favourable.
Having avoided group-stage elimination since the 2013 competition in South Africa, Tunisia seek to continue a run that has seen them reach the tournament’s quarter-finals in the previous four AFCONs.
However, the North African nation have put themselves in a precarious position and must turn in an outstanding showing to defeat one of AFCON 2023’s most intense sides.
Mali’s pressing caught the eye against South Africa, with the Eagles forcing 11 high turnovers in their 2-0 success over Bafana Bafana.
The West African side generated three shots from those forced ball regains, more than any side managed in the competition’s opening round of games.
Their opening game could have turned out differently, but Percy Tau missed a 19th-minute penalty for the 1996 African champions with the game still goalless, and the Eagles punished them after the break.
Eric Chelle’s men seek to confirm 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 made it to the first knockout round in three consecutive tournaments, a statistic they are keen to change with a positive result against Tunisia.
The Eagles are undefeated in their previous two AFCON 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 troops.
Tunisia Africa Cup of Nations form:
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Tunisia form (all competitions):
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Mali Africa Cup of Nations form:
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Mali form (all competitions):
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