Tunisia Begins Final Preparations for Africa Cup of Nations
Tunisia officially launched its training camp on Friday as the Eagles of Carthage prepare for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. Head coach Georges Leekens, who took over the squad last year, will oversee an intensive training programme as the North African side aims to make a strong impression at the continental showpiece.
However, the Belgian tactician will not have his full squad available from the outset. A number of players are still tied up with club duties, while others have been granted additional rest before joining up with the team.
The training camp, which runs until January 8, will serve as Tunisia’s final tune-up before the tournament. It includes two high-profile friendly matches — a clash with regional rivals Algeria on January 11 at the Radès Stadium, followed by a game against Mali on January 13.
Tunisia heads into the tournament with a balanced squad, blending experience and youth. Key names include playmaker Yassine Chikhaoui, forward Youssef Msakni, and defensive stalwart Aymen Abdennour.
Here is Tunisia’s full squad for the training camp:
Goalkeepers:
– Moez Ben Cherifia
– Farouk Ben Mustapha
– Aymen Mathlouthi
Defenders:
– Mohamed Ali Yaâkoubi
– Aymen Abdennour
– Rami Bedoui
– Syam Ben Youssef
– Ali Maâloul
– Hamza Mathlouthi
– Bilel Mohsni
– Slim Ben Jemai
– Yassine Mikari
Midfielders:
– Yassine Chikhaoui
– Stéphane Nater
– Mohamed Ali Moncer
– Houcine Ragued
– Ferjani Sassi
– Jamel Saihi
– Wahbi Khazri
– Anis Ben Htira
Forwards:
– Fakhreddine Ben Youssef
– Saber Khelifa
– Hamza Younes
– Youssef Msakni
– Amine Chermiti
– Yohan Touzghar
Tunisia, a former winner of the competition in 2004, will be looking to build on a strong qualifying campaign and progress deep into the knockout stages of this year’s tournament.
