Overview
Tanzania's start to the AFCON campaign was not very impressive when losing to Nigeria 1-2, but this result is not surprising considering the level of the opponent.
That defeat means if they want to continue to nurture hope of winning a ticket to the round of 16 for the first time in history, they are forced to react with a better performance in the match against Uganda afterwards.
Currently, Tanzania has returned to the race to win a ticket to the next round, after a 1-1 draw against Uganda. This result helps them rank third in the group with one point after two matches.
That means Tanzania still has the right to decide, and a victory over Tunisia will bring them to the round of 16 for the first time.
However, Hemed Suleiman clearly understands that the upcoming opponent is not an easy challenge. After 9 unbeaten matches, Tanzania will have to try their best if they want to win all 3 points.
Meanwhile, Tunisia is in more positive form, when the last 2-3 defeat to Nigeria was only their second defeat in 11 matches in all competitions (6 wins, 3 draws).
However, this result can still be considered acceptable, if looking at the match being dominated by Nigeria for most of the time. Tunisia was down 0-3 before the "Cartagon Eagles" rose up at the end of the match to hold the score at an acceptable level.
The door to the next round is therefore still quite wide open for Sami Trabelsi's team. They only need a victory to secure a place in the round of 16. The memory of not being able to pass the group stage in the 2023 tournament is still intact, and Tunisia will definitely be determined to correct their mistakes.
Although rated higher, Carthage Eagles still often make mistakes in defense. That explains why they have only kept a clean sheet in one match in their last nine encounters.
Personnel situation
Despite playing below his ability against Nigeria in the second round of the group stage, Slimane is unlikely to make too big adjustments for the next match.
Aymen Dahmen was subdued three times by the Nigerian attack, but he was still the undeniable number one choice in the North African representative's goal.
Hannibal Mejbri was one of the few players who maintained his form in that poor performance. He assisted the first goal in the team's two goals and deserved a starting spot.
Tunisia may also be without Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who had to leave the field in the most recent match due to injury.
On the Tanzanian side, they may enter the game with a defensive mindset, and this will force the Stellenbosch Stars coach to consider adjusting the squad system.
Suleiman can choose to increase the number of players in midfield with a 5-midfield formation to curb Tunisia's attacking power, with options such as Simon Msuva, Novatus Miroshi, Salum Feisal, Tarryn Allarakhia and Alphonce Msanga.
In attack, Kelvin John is likely to shoulder the responsibility of playing highest, playing the role of only center forward against a more experienced Tunisia.
Expected lineup:
Foba, Hussein, Hamad, Nwamnyeto, Mnoga, Msuva, Msanga, Salum, Miroshi, Allarakhia, John.
Dahmen, Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi, Sassi, Mejbri, Skhiri, Achouri, Mastouri, Tounekti.
The match between Tanzania and Tunisia takes place at 11:00 PM on December 30 (Vietnam time).
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