After disappointing identical 1-0 defeats to Mali and Gambia respectively, Tunisia and Mauritania go to TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Group F Match Day 2 with no room for error.
On Sunday in Limbe, it looks like the last chance for both sides if they are to revive their Round of 16 qualification hopes.
Match Card
Date: 16 January 2022
Time: 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Limbe Stadium, Limbe
Group: F
Match: Tunisia v Mauritania
Tunisia – All to play for
The defeat to Mali was a bitter pill to swallow for the Carthage Eagles. But the Tunisians are still having all to play for, starting from this Sunday when they face Mauritania with one thing in mind; get back to the right track.
The 2004 champions who are having their 15th consecutive AFCON appearance need to avoid an early exit, something that they haven’t seen since 1994.
What they said
Mondher Kebaier (Coach, Tunisia)
The defeat to Mali is history now. All what we play for now is the three points against Mauritania. We have some absent players but those who will play will fight for the Tunisia shirt. We had some problems against Mali and we will correct them. Our objective is to go as far as possible in the tournament.
Seifeddine Jaziri (Forward, Tunisia)
We are focused and ready despite all the difficulties. We will do our best to defend our shirt and our history. Mauritania game is a must win. Whether I play or not, the important is the interest of the team.
Mauritania – Make or break
To avoid what they witnessed in their maiden AFCON appearance in Egypt 2019, Mauritania need to revive against Tunisia in what seems to be a very tough mission.
The Mourabitounes had a goalless draw with Tunisia three years ago in Egypt, but they know this result might not be enough this time as they will chase a win to get their hopes back alive.
What they said
Didier Gomez Da Rosa (Coach, Mauritania)
We hope to win against Tunisia because our target is to stay here. We have faith in ourselves, and we have the assets to compete. I feel a real determination in the group. I expect another performance with technical accuracy and individual percussion. We have to be very solid and focused.
Mohamed Yalli Dallahi (Midfielder, Mauritania)
We play against Tunisia without thinking of the past. We have played against them many times, and we will give our best not to lose this match. We represent a nation and want to honor our shirt. We are going to play our way.
Source: CAF