Tunisia seeks new start as they face Ivory Coast

This international break will witness the clash of African football giants when Tunisia tackles the Elephants of Ivory Coast. The match takes place at the Stade Robert Diochon on the 10^th.

This will be the first match for both teams after a disappointing 2019 African Cup of Nations campaign for both teams. Ivory Coast was knocked out at the quarterfinal stage after losing 4-3 on penalties to eventual AFCON winners Algeria. Tunisia was defeated in the semi-finals by Senegal before losing 1-0 to Nigeria in the 3rd place match completely missing out on a medal placing.

Tunisia has been on a mini rebuilding process. After sacking French man Alain Giresse for poor performances during the AFCON, the Tunisian football federation proceeded to hire Mondher Kebaier on a three-year contract. The Carthage Eagles new coach will be looking at this match against the Ivoirians to start a new era of success for the North Africans who have experienced a barren couple of years. Coach Kebaier will be hoping veterans’ captain Youssef Msakni, and Ferjani Sassi can inspire Tunisia to victory against the Ivorians.

The Ivorians will also be looking for a victory on Tuesday when they file out against the Carthage Eagles. The fans of the Elephants will be hoping their national team can remove the bitter taste from their mouths of the poor showing at the 2019 AFCON.

The Ivoirians were seen as pre-tournament favorites considering the caliber of players they paraded. Players like Crystal Palace’s exciting winger Wilfred Zaha, Team Captain Serge Aurier from Tottenham Hotspur, midfield stalwarts Franck Kessie and Jean Seri as well as the new kid on the block Nicolas Pepe who just made a big money move to English Premier League giants Arsenal FC over the summer. Many people, including fans of the Ivory Coast, feel this current generation of players have underachieved and will expect them to begin to fulfill the promise their exciting array of talents offers.

A resounding win for the Coach Ibrahim Kamara led side will be just what the doctor ordered for Ivory Coast fans. This game should be one for the neutrals.