2024 AFCON: Tunisia v Namibia preview
15/01/2024 16:21
Match 1 in Group E at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations will see Tunisia take on Namibia at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Date: Tuesday, 16 January 2024
Kick-off: 19h00 (CAT)
Head-to-head: The two nations met on one occasion in the past, with Tunisia claiming a 2-0 win at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in an international friendly that took place on the 17th of November 2007.
Tunisia's last three results: The Carthage Eagles go into the tournament with a spring in their step, bagging two victories and one draw in their last three games in all competitions. Tunisia last featured in a friendly match on the 10th of January, bagging a 2-0 win over Cabo Verde at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi.
Namibia's last three results: The Brave Warriors' form card makes for a difficult reading going into the Africa Cup of Nations, recording a loss, draw and victory in their last three matches in all competitions. Tunisia's most recent win came in the form of a 2-0 result against Soa Tome in a CAF World Cup Qualifier on the 21st of November 2023.
Team news: As a development in the Tunisia camp, midfielder Hannibal Mejbri opted to withdraw from the Africa Cup of Nations to sort out his immediate future at club level. After missing crucial World Cup qualifiers for Namibia in November last year, Peter Shalulile will be a welcome return for Namibia at the AFCON.
Key players:
Tunisia: Ferjani Sassi – Sassi, who missed the 2021 edition, will mark his eagerly anticipated return to the competition this year. The creative 31-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the team.
Namibia: Peter Shalulile – With nine goals in 19 games played with Mamelodi Sundowns this season, Shalulile maintained a healthy goal scoring return despite a below par 2023/24 campaign. The striker will no doubt be the point of reference in attack for the Brave Warriors at the tournament.
