Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri has praised Mamelodi Sundowns’ core in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana side, and revealed they were surprised with South Africa’s 4-0 thrashing of Namibia.
The Eagles of Carthage are under pressure going into their final Group E match with just one point, needing a win, while Bafana have collected three and could qualify with a draw.
Ahead of the game, Kadri praised the Sundowns’ core in Broos’ team after the Belgian started eight Masandawana stars in their win over Namibia.
“South Africa has good players, a team comprised of players of Mamelodi Sundowns, we need to respond against an offensively good team, we should be ready for that,” Kadri said ahead of the game.
Tunisia captain Seifeddine Jaziri echoed the sentiment of his coach, but insisted they are aiming for nothing but three points.
“We know the team of South Africa, Percy Tau plays in Egypt, but we have a chance to win and we need to take it to make the Tunisan people happy,” the Zamalek forward stated.
Kadri also discussed the warning signs at this Africa Cup of Nations after hosts Ivory Coast were hammered 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea.
“That’s the challenge of football, we need to keep players focused, it was a surprise, we watched the 4-0 loss,” he continued.
“And yes we struggled against Namibia, we must give a response against South Africa. We were surprised at their win against Namibia, who started well and South Africa took control after, as was the case when they started well against Mali and they then took control.
“We are prepared to play intelligently, and play with more intensity, we need to show a reaction, we have experienced players who know how to emerge from this situation.
“We will create more opportunities, control this match and our players must play with all they have.”
The game will kick off at 19:00 at Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
