Namibia international Deon Hotto reserved special praise for coach Collin Benjamin ahead of the Brave Warriors’ opening Group E Africa Cup of Nations clash against Tunisia at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Kick-off is at 19h00 (CAT)
Current form
The Carthage Eagles are one of the best performing teams on the African continent as far as recent form is concerned. Unbeaten in their last four matches across the board, Jalel Kadri’s side managed to bag three wins, one draw and one defeat in their previous five encounters.
Collin Benjamin’s side on the other hand recorded just one win in their last eight matches in all competitions. Heading into the showpiece, Namibia recorded three stalemates, one defeat and just the single victory in their last five fixtures.
TEAM NEWS
With Mejbri being the only notable exclusion from Jalel's side, Tunisia are expected to field a full-strength side in their Group E opener. As for the Brave Warriors, Benjamin will welcome Peter Shalulile back into his attacking department after missing Namibia's most recent set of games due to injury.
What was said…
Jalel Kadri
"Hannibal told me that he did not feel ready for the African Cup of Nations because he is going through an important situation at his club," Said, Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri, who confirmed Hannibal Mejbri’s withdrawal from the tournament.
“He is one of the youngest and brightest coaches in the tournament. He played his whole career in Germany at the highest level and so he is sharing that experience with us,” Deon Hotto said of coach Collin Benjamin.
“He is a very open coach. His door is always open for us. He is just a marvelous coach with new and fresh ideas and someone who is really great to work with.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
TUNISIA
Ellyes Skhiri: Skhiri is expected to be a key player for his nation at the tournament, given his vast amount of experience for Tunisia. With 60 caps under his belt, including 12 Afcon appearances from 2019, Skhiri has been an ever-present figure in the Tunisian midfield.
NAMIBIA:
Deon Hotto – As an attacking player by trade, Hotto has been utilized as a makeshift left back under Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates. It remains to be seen how Benjamin will use Hotto at the tournament, however, the 33-year-old’s versatility will no doubt be appreciated.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
As the only tie played between the two nations. Tunisia recorded a 2-0 win at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in a Friendly encounter that took place on the 17th of November 2007.