AFCON 2015: Tunisia Coach Leekens Warns Against Complacency Despite Near Qualification
With Tunisia perched atop their qualifying group for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Georges Leekens has called for focus and humility ahead of crucial matches against Botswana and Egypt. The Carthage Eagles, leading Group G with 10 points, are on the brink of qualification — but the Belgian tactician insists the job is not yet done.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday to unveil his squad, Leekens struck a cautious tone:
“We must not get carried away. One point might be enough to qualify, but we’re not going to Botswana to play for a draw. We’ll play to win.”
Tunisia face Botswana away on November 15 before hosting Egypt four days later. With Egypt just four points behind and still in the hunt, Leekens sees the Gaborone fixture as pivotal.
“This match is our final,” he stressed. “It will be the most important and most difficult. We must treat it as if we still need six points.”
While Tunisia remain unbeaten in the qualifiers and boast a talented core, Leekens is looking ahead, hoping to blood new talent and increase competition within the squad.
“We need to give young players more opportunities. Some of those who’ve already played have given everything, even if the football hasn’t always been perfect. We’re considering calling up players from the Olympic team.”
Despite the strong position Tunisia finds itself in, the coach warned against the dangers of overconfidence heading into the final group-stage fixtures.
“Whatever the result in Botswana, there must be no complacency before the Egypt match. We have to stay grounded. We’re not winning the World Cup, but we must believe in our abilities.”
Group G remains tightly contested, with Senegal second on seven points, followed by Egypt with six, and Botswana bottom with none. A single point from either match will likely secure Tunisia’s place at next year’s tournament, but Leekens is determined to instill a mentality of ambition and discipline rather than coasting over the line.
His approach — one that mixes pragmatism with long-term vision — reflects Tunisia’s ambitions not just to qualify, but to build a competitive team ready to challenge in the main tournament.
