during AFCON qualifying with 2 goals.
The Hipster Choice
Aymen Mathlouli - The goalkeeping position is one of the few that is up for grabs. Aymen Mathlouthi has played most matches, despite poor performances in the Tunisian Ligue. Moez Ben Cherifia of ES Tunis, is a young shot-stopper with enough experience to usurp Mathlouthi’s between the sticks. Leekens will surely pencil in his number 1 goalkeeper during pre-tournament friendlies.
The Coach
Georges Leekens - Leekens' pragmatic philosophy places a premium on victory by whatever means necessary. During the qualification campaign, The Belgian coach used a 4-3-3, 5-3-2, and a diamond 4-4-2 against different opposition, and in each match Tunisia held a tactical advantage. But the 65- years-old has never coached at an Africa Cup of Nations. Climate and pitch conditions could present problems for the Tunisians who are used to temperate weather and level pitches.
SFG Predicts
Semi-finalists - The Carthage Eagles are the side with the least number of weaknesses in Group B and will take advantage of a lenient draw that will pit them against runners-up of a relatively weak Group A.
By Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher)
latter sitting in front of defence, and the former expressing his creative passing abilities. Yassine Chikhaoui is Tunisia’s main attacking conduit, and he has built a complementary rapport with the likes of Wahbi Khazri and Youssef Msakni.
Strengths
Attacking midfield - In attacking midfield, Tunisia have nothing to envy from anyone on the continent. Captain Yassine Chikhaoui has finally overcome a debilitating injury spell and is one of the most in-form players in Europe. Wahbi Khazri and Youssef Msakni are gamechangers in the their own rights. Khazri offers exquisite wingplay replete with precise crossing and pinpoint direct free-kicks. Msakni’s ability to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat is well documented with recent game-winning goals.
Weaknesses
Strikers - If there’s weakness in this Tunisian outfit it is their paucity of in-form strikers. Amine Chermiti, and Hamza Younes have failed to seize their opportunity to spearhead the attack. The lack of genuine striking options means Tunisia won’t have the cutting edge necessary to trouble opposition defensive lines.
Key Player
Yassine Chikhaoui – Flying under the radar, Yassine Chikhaoui has been one of Europe’s most underrated performers at club level. The former ES Sahel midfielder is now disputing his eighth season with FC Zurich, and 2014/15 has been his most fruitful campaign. Chikhaoui has scored 11 goals and pitched in with 9 assists in all competitions, and led Tunisia in scoring during AFCON Quualifying with 2 goals.