Tunisia’s veteran left-winger, Youssef Msakni, is poised to make his mark in history with an impressive eighth appearance in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to unfold in Ivory Coast.
This milestone places him in the esteemed company of football greats Rigobert Song from Cameroon and Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan, both of whom have graced the continental stage eight times.
With the absence of retired Wahbi Khazri, Msakni, aged 33, emerges as a key asset for the Carthage Eagles, offering experience and a proven track record of influencing crucial moments in the tournament.
Coach Jalel Kadri is undoubtedly counting on Msakni’s leadership and skill as Tunisia seeks to make a significant impact in AFCON 2023.
Msakni’s journey into the AFCON arena commenced on December 14, 2009, when, at the age of 18, he received his first call-up to the senior national team.
Since that auspicious beginning, he has been a stalwart for Tunisia, amassing an impressive 77 caps.
As the 2023 tournament unfolds in Ivory Coast, Msakni is poised to etch his name even deeper into the annals of AFCON history.
A standout player in 2011 and a victor in both the Chan and the Champions League with Esperance de Tunis, Msakni stands as Kadri’s offensive linchpin for AFCON 2023.
Renowned for his long-range strikes and technical finesse, Msakni has left an indelible mark with memorable goals, including a stunning effort against Nigeria in AFCON 2021 and a 25-meter strike against Algeria in 2013, which was voted the best goal of the tournament.
Despite reaching the age of 33, Msakni remains a formidable attacker.
Finishing as the second top scorer in the AFCON 2023 qualifiers and securing the best player trophy for the 2022-2023 season in Qatar, his 13 goals and five assists for Al Arabi in the previous season underscore his continued impact.
As Tunisia gears up for AFCON 2023, Youssef Msakni’s enduring prowess and goal-scoring abilities make him a force to be reckoned with, leaving opponents Mali, Namibia, and South Africa duly warned of the threat he poses on the pitch.
