High scoring Tunisia will look to get their AFCON campaign off with a bang against Namibia. With that being said, the Brave Warriors have had a change of leadership that seems to be working wonders. This one won’t disappoint!
To win (90 min)
Tunisia 7/20
Draw 28/10
Namibia 8/1
TUNISIA
The Eagles of Carthage will look to build on a strong set of results. Jalel Kadri’s men got their AFCON qualifiers off to a flyer – a 4 nil romp over Equatorial Guinea on home soil. In that, veteran forward, Youssef Msakni came off the bench and bagged a brace. He could be one to watch in this squad.
Tunisia pushed on from there and qualified top of their group. Shockingly, they did so with some impressive defensive displays – conceding just a single goal as they booked their ticket to AFCON. It was that same defence that shone during the two World Cup Qualifiers. Indeed, Tunisia recorded back to back clean sheets across those two victories, scoring five goals during that time.
There is an ace in the Tunisia team that will set this game alight. Elias Achouri, of Cophenagen, has been plying his trade at the very elite of club football – the UEFA Champions League. If he can get on song, Tunisia stand every chance of qualifying for the knockouts.
NAMIBIA
Namibia have their work cut out in this group. The Brave Warriors secured qualification for AFCON, by a point over Burundi (despite failing to beat the nation in their double header). Indeed, their qualification campaign saw two managers at the helm, with Bobby Samaria relieved of his duties and Collin Benjamin appointed.
The change in management appears to be working wonders. Namibia went on to find the back of the net five times in Benjamin’s three AFCON qualifiers. Furthermore, a 2 nil victory over San Tome and Principe in their FIFA World Cup qualifier has restored faith. in each of ’s men avoided defeat against Cameroon in their head to head.
Peter Shalulile enters the tournament with a prolific goal scoring record, having plied his trade for several years at Mamelodi Sundowns. The hitman was on target during the second leg of the inaugural African Football League trophy, after his club fell to a deficit in the first leg. His goal paved the way for the home side to go on and lift the trophy, which tells me he is a big game player.
PREDICTION
Tunisia have a well rounded team, with a formidable attack and a resolute defence. In this one, I think their form will carry them over the line. It could be a game of fine margins as their opponents have also churned out some impressive results in recent history. I have to give this one to Tunisia.
Written by Desh Parthab