CAN 2015 – Tunisia: Leekens Sets the Tone Ahead of Final Qualifiers
With qualification within reach, Tunisia’s head coach Georges Leekens is refusing to let complacency creep into his squad. Having just revealed his list of players for the final two matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers—against Botswana away and Egypt at home—the Belgian tactician made it clear: “We’re going to win.”
“We prepared as if we needed six points. There is no question of playing to draw. We will always play to win, even if we don’t succeed every time,” Leekens declared.
The trip to Gaborone is being treated as a do-or-die battle.
“In Botswana, it will be the most important and the most difficult match. It will be our final. There will be no room for euphoria. One point is enough to qualify, but we want to win.”
Despite the breathing room Tunisia enjoys in the group standings, Leekens is not taking the final fixture against a resurgent Egypt lightly either.
“Whatever the result in Botswana, I don’t want any relaxation. We must always keep our feet on the ground. We certainly won’t win the World Cup, but we must believe in our abilities.”
Eye on Youth and the Future
Looking beyond just qualification, Leekens also hinted at a broader development strategy for Tunisia:
“We must give more chances to young people. Those who have already played have given the best of themselves, without producing the best football. We will think about adding players from the Olympic selection to the first team.”
As Tunisia edges closer to sealing its spot in CAN 2015, Leekens is determined to keep his squad focused, hungry, and evolving—qualities that may serve the Carthage Eagles well on the continental stage.
