AFCON: Tunisia go head-to-head with Mauritania
With the Africa Cup of Nations in full swing, Tunisia go head to head with Mauritania at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium in Group F on Sunday.
Both nations, who have now failed to win any of their last two outings, will head into the game desperate for all three points following their opening-day defeats against Mali and Gambia respectively.
Match preview
Tunisia’s Anis Ben Slimane, Dylan Bronn and Montassar Talbi wait as VAR reviews their penalty on January 12, 2022
© Reuters
Tunisia were denied a dream start to their 15th consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearance as they fell to a slender 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mali on Wednesday.
In a game marred by poor officiating, 22-year-old forward Ibrahima Kone made no mistake from 12 yards out as he converted his 48th-minute penalty with aplomb to hand the Eagles all three points.
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This followed a gruesome 2-0 defeat at the hands of Algeria in the Arab Cup final on December 18, when Amir Saayoud and Yacine Brahimi scored extra-time goals to hand the reigning African champions the title.
Like against Mali, where they dominated proceedings but failed to tuck home their chances, Mondher Kebaier will be disturbed by his side’s recent lack of sting in attack as they have scored just four goals in their last six games.
Tunisia’s Wahbi Khazri celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates against Mali on June 28, 2019
© Reuters
Similarly, Mauritania marked their return to the continental tournament with a defeat as they were beaten 1-0 by Gambia at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium on Wednesday.
Al-Murabitun, who made their AFCON debut three years ago in Egypt, where they were sent packing in the group stages after finishing rock bottom in Group E with two points from six games, were seeking to pick up their first-ever win at the tournament.
However, the Scorpions took a deserved lead just 10 minutes into the game through Ablie Jallow before putting on a solid defensive performance to see out the win.
Mauritania have now picked up just one win from their last 11 games across all competitions, claiming three draws and losing seven games in that time, with December’s 2-1 win over Syria being the only exception.
While Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s men will look to end this dry spell and get their campaign up and running, next up is an opposing side who are unbeaten in each of their last eight encounters, claiming five wins and three draws since 2015.
Tunisia will take to the pitch without the services of Aissa Laidouni after the Ferencvaros midfielder was hooked off the pitch with a 67th-minute injury against Mali last time out.
In his absence, Anis Ben Slimane, who turns out for Danish outfit Brondby, should push for his first start of the tournament and could team up with Ellyes Skhiri at the centre of the park.
Despite failing to draw his side level from the penalty spot against Les Aigles, Wahbi Khazri should still bear the goalscoring responsibilities for Tunisia alongside strike partner Naim Sliti.
Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri came off at half time after a quiet performance in the aforementioned game but the 18-year-old should retain his spot in the XI.
Meanwhile, Mauritania came out unscathed from their game against Gambia and we expect Da Rosa to name a similar starting side on Sunday.
Should that be the case, we should see the duo of former Fulham forward Aboubakar Kamara and 29-year-old Pape Ibnou Ba handing business at the attacking end of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Souleymane Karamoko is one of few players who could be dropped to the substitutes’ bench after he struggled to make his mark against the Gambians before coming off at half time.
Tunisia possible starting lineup:
Said; Ifa, Talbi, Bronn; Maaloul, Slimane, Skhiri, Mathlouthi; Sliti, Mejbri; Khazri
Mauritania possible starting lineup:
Diop; Thiam, Abeid, Yali, Houbeibib; Karamoko, N’Diaye, Fofana, Mahmoud; Ba, Kamara
Tunisia were unlucky not to get something out of their opener against Mali despite being on the front foot for most of the game. We expect them to right their wrongs on Sunday and come away with all three points as they take on a less-experienced and struggling Mauritania side.