Mali coach Tom Saintfiet has praised the quality of Tunisia ahead of their round 16 clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The continental showpiece is heating up, with Mali expected to lock horns with Tunisia in the round 16 on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Despite acknowledging Tunisia threat, Tom Saintfiet is hoping his outfit can score more goals to progress to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Tunisia has many outstanding strikers, they play directly and rely on crosses. We have a good defense and we conceded two goals from a penalty kick against Morocco. In the qualifiers, we only conceded one goal in six matches, and in the World Cup qualifiers, we conceded two goals in the last six matches.”
“Tunisia has a good attack and we also have a good defense, and we hope to score more goals than Tunisia. We know our qualities and we will be ready.”
Meanwhile, the experienced tactician has tipped Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria as favourites to win the title in the North African country.
“Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia are candidates to win the title. For me, Tunisia is a very strong and organized team.”
“They have great strikers like Al-Ashouri, Al-Jaziri, Al-Mastouri, Saad and Tountier, and in midfield they have players with exceptional quality like Sassi and Al-Majbri”
