Tunisia begin preparations in South Africa ahead of crucial AFCON qualifier
The Tunisian national football team completed their first training session in South Africa today as they gear up for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Madagascar on Thursday. The Group A fixture marks a pivotal match for Tunisia in their bid for a place in the 2025 tournament.
Arriving in South Africa early this morning after a lengthy flight, the Tunisian squad wasted no time beginning their on-ground preparations.
Head coach Jalel Kadri and his technical team conducted the initial training session with a particular focus on recovery, aiming to maintain players’ physical condition without overburdening them immediately after their long journey.
“We wanted the players to get some light movement and to start acclimatising,” Kadri explained. “Today’s session was about easing the team back into action after travel.
Tomorrow, we will be able to focus more intensively on tactics and specific preparations for Madagascar.”
For the Tunisians, the match against Madagascar represents a crucial step in Group A as they look to secure a strong position before the final rounds of the qualifying campaign.
The team has shown solid form in recent fixtures, and a win would keep them in a favourable spot for AFCON qualification.
The technical staff’s decision to prioritise a lighter training schedule on arrival stems from their awareness of the physical demands their players face.
Following a season of intense club-level commitments, many of the Tunisian internationals are managing the effects of both travel fatigue and match fatigue, which the staff are keen to mitigate.
Ensuring that the players are physically ready for Thursday’s match without risking any unnecessary strain is critical for the team’s performance and long-term fitness.
In preparation for this vital match, the Tunisian squad is expected to hold a final training session tomorrow, where the team will focus heavily on their tactical approach and fine-tune their gameplay strategies.
Coach Kadri is likely to pay particular attention to set pieces, defensive coordination, and counter-attacking strategies, areas that have been crucial to Tunisia’s success in the qualifiers so far.
Madagascar, although not topping the group, is expected to put up a strong fight against Tunisia.
Known for their resilience, the Malagasy side will likely focus on a disciplined defensive strategy to contain Tunisia’s attacking lineup.
Kadri and his staff are well aware of the challenges that Madagascar presents and are expected to prepare accordingly to avoid any potential upsets.
As the countdown to Thursday’s match continues, Tunisian fans and supporters are hopeful that the national team can deliver a performance worthy of its potential.
The players’ focus and commitment to preparing thoroughly in South Africa underline the importance they are placing on this encounter.
