Tunisia face their first big test of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Mali at Limbe Stadium in a Group F opener on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 13h00 GMT.
The Carthage Eagles will be appearing in their 20th continental finals and aiming to once again compete for the trophy which they last won in 2004.
Tunisia will be looking for Manchester United Hannibal Mejbri who has shown great potential in the few matches he has played while Wahbi Khazri remains one of the most valuable assets.
The North Africans left have not been getting satisfactory results and the tournament will determine the future of coach Mondher Kebaier.
Tunisia heads into the tournament as the second ranked team in the continent and one of favorites to win the title, but Kebair knows it won’t come easy.
“There are no more weak teams, and no game is within reach. We need to live up to our reputation. We were the best team in the playoffs, and we are ranked second in Africa. We will do everything to play the leading role,” the coach said.
Meanwhile, Mali are making their 12th appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations finals having finished at the top of their qualifying group.
The Eagles of Mali best performance in the tournament dates back to 1972, the only previous time the AFCON was held in Cameroon and Mali lost 3-2 in the final against Congo.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma is expected to be the key man for Mali alongside Mohamed Camara of RB Salzburg and Southampton midfielder Moussa Djenepo.
Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba is well aware that it wount be easy in Cameroon and has ssured his countrymen that they will fight to be in next stage.
“We will go to Cameroon with ambition, but also with humility. We have to expect some complicated matches. The first objective is to get out of this group ,” coach Magassouba said.
The last meeting between Tunisia and Mali was in June 2021 at the Stade Olypique De Rades in Tunis.
Tunisia secured a 1-0 win over Mali in an international friendly.
