The road to the next phase of the AFCON 2021 looks shaky with some heavyweights falling already. Gambia and Tunisia face off at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium in their final group stage game on Thursday night with both sides in a race for qualification.
Gambia, being the lowest-ranked nation in group F is shockingly leading the table with 4 points defeating Mauritania and holding Mali to 1-1 draw.
Tunisia, on the other hand, one of the tournament’s favourites prior to the start of the tournament are now 3rd position on the log with three points and will be targeting back-to-back wins in the competition to progress into the knockout stages.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Venue: Limbe Omnisport Stadium.
Date: JANUARY 20, 2022.
Time: 7 PM.
TEAM NEWS
GAMBIA
With no injury news in camp, Coach Tom Saintfiet is likely to maintain the lineup that magically held Mali to a 1-1 draw. Modou Barrow, Ebrima Colley, Omar Colley and Musa Barrow will be expected to help Gambia secure their first-ever AFCON round of 16 qualification with just a point in this game.
TUNISIA
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will be without the services of Seifeddine Jaziri who came off injured in their 4-0 victory over Mauritania in their second group game. With skipper Whabi Khazri coming into the party in their last game with a brace, Saint Etienne forward is expected to lead the lines in search of a victory to advance to the next round.
PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS TO WATCH
HANNIBAL MEJBRI
Hannibal showed what he is about in the Arab Cup, and has continued to show class in the ongoing 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations. A starting berth for the youngster tomorrow is assured as the Tunisian gaffer trusts the Manchester United youngster to come to his full best.
PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS
This will be the first official meeting between these two sides. Sitting at the top of Group F with four points from two games, a point will be enough for the Scorpions to secure qualification for the last 16 of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tunisia who got their AFCON campaign up and running with an emphatic 4-0 win over Mauritania at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium would have to get a victory or draw to either qualify at a second-place or be one of the best third-placed teams should Mali get a victory in their game with Mauritania.
Mondher Kebaier’s men will have to do everything to get the desired result and progress to the next phase of the tournament coming up against a lower-ranked side who is 120 places below them according to the latest FIFA World Rankings.
PREDICTED XI
Gambia predicted XI: Modou Jobe (GK); Pa Modou, Omar Colley, James Gomez, Saidy Janko; Ablie Jallow, Sulayman Marreh, Ebou Adams, Ebrima Colley, Musa Barrow; Assan Ceesay.
Tunisia predicted XI: Bachir Ben Said (GK); Hamza Mathlouthi, Bilel Ifa, Montassar Talbi, Ali Maaloul; Anis Ben Slimane, Ellyes Skhiri, Ghailene Chaalali; Saif-Eddine Khaoui, Wahbi Khazri, Youssef Msakni.
MATCH PREDICTION
GAMBIA 1:1 TUNISIA
