Tunisia Prepares for Final 2019 AFCON Qualifier Against Eswatini
Having already secured their spot in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Tunisia now turns its attention to the final match of the qualification campaign. The Carthage Eagles are set to face Eswatini on March 22nd, marking the sixth and last day of the qualifying rounds. While qualification is no longer at stake, the match offers an opportunity for Tunisia to fine-tune their squad and test tactical options ahead of the main tournament.
The team will be led by Alain Giresse, who officially took charge of the national side on January 1st. The veteran French coach has spent the past few months assessing the squad, introducing new players, and establishing his tactical philosophy. This upcoming fixture against Eswatini will provide another chance to integrate key players and ensure the team is ready for the challenges of the AFCON in Egypt.
Ahead of the match, Giresse is scheduled to announce his list of called-up players on Tuesday, March 12th, following a press conference organized by the Tunisian Football Federation. The squad selection is highly anticipated, as it will reflect Giresse’s plans for both the final qualifier and the team’s preparation for the tournament itself. Observers will be looking closely at which regular starters will feature, whether any emerging talents will be given a chance, and how the coach intends to balance experience with youth.
Even though the match against Eswatini carries no direct impact on qualification, it remains an important test for Tunisia. The team will aim to maintain momentum, strengthen cohesion, and refine the strategies that could prove decisive at the AFCON. For Giresse, it is also an opportunity to assess players in a competitive setting without the pressure of securing points for qualification, allowing him to experiment and identify the ideal lineup for the upcoming tournament.
Following the Eswatini match, Tunisia will have another opportunity to fine-tune their preparations with a friendly against Algeria on March 26th. This encounter promises to be a higher-intensity test, as Algeria are one of Africa’s strongest sides. The friendly will allow Giresse to evaluate his squad against a team of significant quality, helping him make final adjustments ahead of the AFCON.
With the tournament scheduled to kick off in Egypt later this year, Tunisia’s coaching staff is focused on building a well-prepared, balanced, and cohesive team. Securing a victory over Eswatini will not only boost confidence but also reinforce the team’s tactical discipline and match fitness.
In summary, while Tunisia’s qualification is already confirmed, the next two fixtures—the final qualifier against Eswatini and the friendly against Algeria—represent crucial steps in the team’s preparation. Alain Giresse’s squad announcement on March 12th will provide fans with their first insight into his vision for the team and highlight the players who will carry Tunisia’s hopes in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. These matches offer the perfect platform for the Carthage Eagles to fine-tune their squad, build momentum, and ensure they arrive in Egypt ready to compete at the highest level.
