Tunisia Focuses on Dual Challenge Ahead of Crucial 2017 CAN Qualifiers
Tunisia is gearing up quickly for a critical period in its football calendar, with the national team preparing for the opening match of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers against Djibouti on Friday, June 12, in Radès. This intensive preparation began earlier this week and has a dual focus: the CAN tournament scheduled to take place in Gabon next year, and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2016, a competition reserved for local-based players.
The CHAN tournament sees Tunisia set to face Morocco and Libya on June 15 and 18 in Casablanca, before the return leg of this triangular tournament is played in Tunis come September.
Despite facing an opponent perceived as less challenging, Tunisia’s coach Georges Leekens is cautious and keen to avoid any complacency. Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the match, Leekens emphasized the unpredictable nature of African football.
“We don’t yet know which team we’ll be able to field for these qualifiers. We have limited the number of expatriate players to maintain a strong squad for the CHAN qualifiers, which are reserved for local talent,” Leekens explained.
He also acknowledged the limited information available on Djibouti but warned against underestimating the opposition. “It would be dangerous to think that their level is very low and that we’ll have an easy game. The landscape of continental football has changed — there are no longer any easy teams, all have become competitive. Every match requires a major effort to secure victory.”
The Belgian coach also highlighted the timing challenges, pointing out that mid-June fixtures pose particular difficulties. “This match comes at a very delicate time for our players. Their bodies have been heavily taxed after a fiercely contested championship title race. The mental preparation will therefore require all our attention. Friday’s match promises to be difficult for several objective reasons.”
Tunisia’s balancing act between focusing on the CAN qualifiers while managing the CHAN tournament underscores the challenges many African nations face in juggling multiple international commitments. With the dual focus on expatriate and locally based players, the Tunisian squad is aiming to build depth and versatility in its ranks.
As Tunisia prepares to take on Djibouti, the team and its coaching staff remain aware that success will demand discipline, determination, and careful management both on and off the pitch.
