Tunisia will play, Thursday, January 20, its survival in the CAN-2022, against Gambia.

Defeated by Mali (1-0) in a match at the incredible end, the Carthage Eagles revived by beating Mauritania dryly in the second match.

Tunisia decimated by Covid-19

Third with three points, behind Mali and Gambia (four points each), Tunisia has the means to qualify in the event of victory over the astonishing team of the Scorpions. But for this last decisive match, coach Mondher Kebaier will have to deal with the absentees. Two days before the meeting, twelve players tested positive for Covid-19. Captain Wahbi Khazri, who scored twice against Mauritania, is one of the Tunisians affected by the virus. 

Despite this decimated team, Mondher Kebaier wants to believe in the chances of qualification.

"I'm not going to dwell on the Covid pressure that we are currently experiencing within the team. It is a question of organizing ourselves to always offer a better game despite the difficulties. Everyone here is only focused on the victory," he said at a press conference on the eve of the match.

🔴⚪ Mondher Kebaier:



"We're going to play this match against Gambia to the fullest. We haven't qualified yet and we have to win this match.



We're not going to make calculations to have this or that course, we're ready to face any team."#Tunisia 🇹🇳 #CAN2021 #TeamTunisia pic.twitter.com/40etzTxNEF

— Tunisia Football (@tunisiefootball) January 19, 2022

"We are doing our best to avoid total contamination in the group. No one wants to stay at the hotel while the others are at the stadium to defend the colors of the country", also explained midfielder Anis Ben Slimane.

For their part, Gambia approach this match with a little more confidence.

For its first participation in the African Cup of Nations, the country is already on the verge of the round of 16 after a victory against Mauritania and a draw against Mali.

Against Tunisia, a defeat could even be enough for him to grab a qualifying place for the title of best third.

Concentrated, the Belgian coach of the Scorpions Tom Saintfiet wants to continue on this good momentum: "Whether we are qualified or not, we will play to obtain a better result. Especially since the results of the group matches will define our place in the rest of the competition".

Mali in good position to qualify

But facing Mauritania already eliminated, Mali will also try to finish in first place in group F. Against a more modest team, coach Mohamed Magassouba could even take the opportunity to rotate his workforce.

"It's part of the plans that any coach naturally has in mind. We are a football team and we rely on the whole group," he said at a press conference.

Among his players, the time is optimistic, like captain Hamari Traoré.

"Today you see that we have a great generation that is rising, we have a good group. For the moment, we are doing great things for our country. It's not enough, it's not enough, it We have to make history and we want to make history," he said.

"We will continue to advance match after match, why not be the surprise of this AFCON. Now it's up to us to do that and have a good tournament"

#CAN2021|

These beautiful images of brotherhood between Djamel Belmadi and Mohamed Magassouba, coach of Mali 🇲🇱 pic.twitter.com/WMInau6AaM

— JDZ Football (@JDZFootball) January 19, 2022

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