Jalel Kadri, Head Coach of the Tunisian national team, emphasized the need for caution against perceived minnows such as Mozambique and Cape Verde as they gear up for their opening game against Namibia on Tuesday, January 16.
Kadri, acknowledging the strong performances of Mozambique and Cape Verde against Egypt and Ghana, respectively, described them as “eye-openers.” He highlighted the tournament's trend, indicating that there are no small teams in Africa.
“Namibia is a serious opponent, and we don't have any easy team. The results in the opening rounds have shown that there are no small teams in Africa. So we need to show them respect and play to our best ability,” Kadri stated.
Contrary to the notion that facing Namibia in the opening match could be an advantage, Kadri emphasized that every team in the competition deserves respect.
“…we don't have any easy team. The results in the opening rounds have shown that there are no small teams in Africa. So we need to show them respect and play to the best ability. The opening matches have shown that,” he added.
Tunisia, making their 21st appearance and the 16th consecutive one in the AFCON, is determined to go as far as possible in the competition. Kadri expressed confidence in the team's preparedness and emphasized taking each game seriously.
“We would try to go as far as possible. We have teams that are of good quality, so we would try to win each match and go as far as possible. We must respect all opponents.
There are Africa's best teams that are present, so ours is to do our best in every match and take it game by game,” he concluded.
