Tunisia Coach Leekens Concerned Over Defensive Injuries Ahead of Botswana Clash
Tunisia head coach Georges Leekens has voiced concern over his side’s defensive woes ahead of their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana.
The Carthage Eagles will be without key defenders Aymen Abdennour and Yassin Mikari, who have both been ruled out through injury just 24 hours before the match. In response, the Tunisian Football Federation has called up Espérance Tunis pair Mohamed Ali Yaakoubi and Ali Abedi as replacements.
“My main concern is the injuries of Aymen Abdennour and Yassin Mikari,” Leekens told reporters. “But I want to make it clear that all the players called up deserve to be in the starting XI.”
Despite the defensive setback, the Belgian coach remained cautiously optimistic. “This will be a difficult match, as Botswana have both strong individual talent and a cohesive team,” he said. “But nothing is impossible.”
Tunisia will be looking to make a strong start in front of their home fans as they begin their campaign to reach the 2015 tournament in Morocco.
