Tunisia got off to a strong start in their preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 victory over Iraq in their first friendly match. The game, held at the Rades Stadium, saw the Eagles of Carthage dominate from the opening minutes, setting a positive tone ahead of the continental tournament. Both goals came in the first half, highlighting Tunisia’s attacking efficiency and providing coach Alain Giresse with a performance he could build on.
Wahbi Khazri opened the scoring in the 4th minute, demonstrating his trademark precision and attacking instinct. The early goal immediately put Tunisia in control, allowing them to dictate the pace of the match and create further opportunities. In the 29th minute, Bassem Srarfi doubled the lead, finishing a well-orchestrated move that showcased the team’s cohesion and tactical discipline. By halftime, Tunisia had established a comfortable advantage, leaving little room for Iraq to mount a comeback.
For French coach Alain Giresse, the match offered valuable insights into his squad, particularly given the absence of several key players. Speaking to the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) official website, Giresse expressed satisfaction with the performance while also acknowledging the areas needing attention. “For a first match, the performance was good, especially in the first half,” he noted. “We mustn’t forget that several players were unavailable. This led me to change the positions of some players. The Olympic internationals showed a good level, but with their lack of experience, they can’t compete in a tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Indeed, Tunisia’s roster blends seasoned internationals with younger talents, some of whom have only recently broken into the senior team. While the Olympic players contributed energy and creativity, Giresse recognizes that experience will be crucial during the high-stakes environment of the AFCON finals. The friendly against Iraq offered a controlled environment to test strategies, assess player fitness, and experiment with formations before facing the tougher competition in Egypt.
The tactical focus during the match was clear. Tunisia sought to exploit spaces in Iraq’s defense, emphasizing quick transitions and coordinated pressing. Defensively, the Eagles remained solid, maintaining discipline and limiting Iraq’s opportunities to threaten the goal. This combination of organized defense and clinical finishing in attack exemplified the team’s preparation approach and indicated that Tunisia could be a competitive force in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Tunisia has two more friendlies planned to further refine their tactics and integrate all squad members before the AFCON kickoff. These matches will provide additional opportunities to evaluate squad depth, improve team chemistry, and build confidence ahead of the continental stage.
Overall, the opening friendly against Iraq serves as a promising start for Tunisia. With Giresse at the helm, the Eagles of Carthage have demonstrated both skill and strategic awareness, setting the stage for a competitive showing at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. While challenges remain, particularly for the younger players, this strong first performance should boost morale and optimism within the squad and among Tunisian supporters.
