Leekens Acknowledges Senegal’s Strength but Vows Tunisia Will Fight in Dakar
Ahead of a critical Group G showdown in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Tunisia’s head coach Georges Leekens remains realistic yet hopeful as his side prepares to face Senegal this Friday at Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium.
The Belgian tactician recognizes the difficulty of the task, emphasizing Senegal’s physical and technical prowess:
“Senegal remains technically and physically superior. They are the favorites in the group, a very intelligent team that is superior in terms of duels.”
Despite praising Senegal’s dominance—highlighted by their two opening wins—Leekens insists Tunisia won’t back down:
“However, we have every chance, provided we maintain the same spirit of conquest and fighting spirit that we showed during the first matches of Group G and during the last training camp with the local players.”
Leekens also underlined the strategic importance of the first leg in Dakar, noting that a good result there could pave the way for a calmer second half of the campaign:
“The first leg in Dakar will be of great importance… but we will still show determination and a fighting spirit to get a good result that will help us finish the course with serenity.”
Both Tunisia and Senegal sit at the top of Group G with 6 points each, ahead of Egypt and Botswana, who have yet to earn a point. The outcome of this double-header could go a long way in deciding which team qualifies early for the 2015 AFCON in Morocco.
