Tunisia on Brink of AFCON Qualification Ahead of Botswana Clash
BBC Sport Africa – Tunis
Tunisia are within touching distance of qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, following their strong performances against Senegal. The Carthage Eagles need only a draw in their next fixture to book their place in the final tournament, bringing a sense of calm ahead of their final two group-stage matches.
The North African side will travel to Gaborone to face Botswana on 14 November before rounding off their qualifying campaign against Egypt five days later.
Manager Georges Leekens, however, will be forced to make adjustments for the Botswana encounter, with midfielder Wahbi Khazri suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the qualifiers during Sunday’s tightly contested win over Senegal. Khazri had been instrumental in Tunisia’s recent matches, and his absence will be felt in midfield.
Despite the suspension, Tunisia remain in a strong position. The Carthage Eagles sit atop their qualifying group and have all but confirmed their place in the next phase. A single point from their match in Botswana would mathematically secure qualification, easing pressure ahead of the Egypt tie.
In more positive news for Leekens, Yassine Chikhaoui is set to return to the squad after serving a one-match suspension. The creative midfielder missed the previous fixture against Senegal but could now provide a crucial boost in Khazri’s absence.
With momentum on their side and qualification nearly assured, Tunisia are expected to approach the next match with composure and confidence. For Leekens and his players, the task is now clear: avoid defeat in Gaborone, and their ticket to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals will be sealed.
