AFCON 2017 Group B - Tunisia vs Senegal
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Two of the tournament’s most attacking teams will face-off in what should be a very entertaining duel between to direct, forward-thinking sides. Both teams boast some remarkable talent in their ranks, and both teams have tons of pace in them. It could be one of the most open, thrilling ties in the whole tournament.
Date: 15th January 2017Time: 12:30am (IST) Venue: Stade de Franceville, Franceville
Tunisia Team Preview
The Tunisian national team were eliminated by the hosts last time around as the Equatorial Guinean hosts severely upset the apple cart after extra time. With a renewed vigour, they’ll be looking to get as far as possible this time round. A win in this fixture will show the entire continent that they really mean business this time around.
The Tunisian qualification campaign went quite well. They netted 8 past minnows Djibouti in the opening game, before being beaten by Liberia and held by Togo. Even then, they managed to score a grand total of 16 goals and only let in 3. They too were their group winners, and deservedly so.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Aymen Mathlouthi, Rami Jeridi, Moez Ben Cherifia,
Defenders: Aymen Abdennour, Ali Maaloul, Hamza Mathlouthi, Mohamed Ali Yacoubi, Zied Boughattas, Chamseddine Dhaouadi, Hamdi Nagguez, Ghazi Abderrazzak, Oussama Haddadi, Yassine Meriah, Sliman Kchouk
Midfielders: Wahbi Khazri, Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, Saad Bguir, Hamza Lahmar, Youssef Msakni, Naïm Sliti, Larry Azouni
Forwards: Taha Yassine Khenissi, Ahmed Akaïchi
Senegal Team Preview
Despite the immense talent that courses through Senegalese history and the current squad, they have never finished beyond runners-up in Africa. With memorable players and squads having graced the World Cup, that might come as a major surprise. Will this be the year when the Senegalese finally etch their name on the African crown? Let’s see!
If the qualification rounds are any indication, then this is definitely the year. The Senegalese boast a 100% record, smashing every team they faced. They scored 13 goals and only conceded 2. Liverpool’s Sadio Mane was their standout star, just as he has been for his past two club sides. With 3 goals from the wings in qualification, he is one of Africa’s biggest talents.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Khadim N’Diaye, Abdoulaye Diallo, Pape Seydou N’Diaye
Defenders: Lamine Gassama, Cheikh M’Bengue, Kara Mbodj, Zargo Toure, Kalidou Koulibaly, Saliou Ciss
Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye , Cheikhou Kouyate, Cheikh N’Doye, Papakouli Diop, Henri Saivet, Papa Alioune Ndiaye, Mohamed Diame
Forwards: Sadio Mane, Keita Balde Diao, Moussa Konate, Famara Diedhiou, Mame Biram Diouf, Ismaila Sarr (Metz), Moussa Sow
