AFCON 2015: Wahbi Khazri Confident Tunisia Can Challenge for the Title
As the countdown to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations intensifies, Tunisia midfielder Wahbi Khazri has spoken out about his team’s ambitions and readiness to make a deep run in the tournament. In an interview with Le Point, the Bordeaux playmaker painted a confident but measured picture of the Carthage Eagles’ mindset ahead of their opening fixtures.
“We really have a quality squad,” Khazri said. “There’s a great atmosphere between us, and you can feel it on the pitch. We had a good run in the qualifying phase — we didn’t lose a single match. Tunisia was very strong, very united. Now, we’re looking forward to getting this AFCON underway. It’s the start of a new competition.”
Tunisia enter the tournament with momentum and high expectations after an unbeaten qualifying campaign. The North African side topped their group ahead of Senegal and Egypt, showcasing both resilience and tactical maturity under coach Georges Leekens.
But Khazri remains realistic about the challenge ahead.
“All the matches are going to be tough to win. We have our cards to play. We mustn’t get carried away and must keep going if we want to make it to the end of this tournament,” he cautioned.
Tunisia have been drawn in Group B, alongside Zambia, Cape Verde, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While some may view it as one of the more balanced groups, Khazri isn’t underestimating any opponent.
“The teams in our group have quality players, many of whom play in Ligue 1. I’m thinking in particular of Cape Verde with Mendes (Lille) and Fortes (Reims). Zambia won the CAN in 2012. The DRC also has good players. No match will be easy.”
The Carthage Eagles last won the tournament in 2004, when they hosted and lifted the trophy on home soil. Since then, Tunisia have struggled to replicate that success, with early exits and inconsistent performances.
Khazri believes this year could mark a turning point, provided the team maintains focus and discipline.
“It’s up to us to be serious to get out of the group stage and try to go all the way.”
With a well-balanced squad and growing cohesion, Tunisia will be aiming not just to compete — but to contend. Their campaign begins with cautious optimism and the belief that unity, preparation, and experience could take them far in Equatorial Guinea.
