AFCON 2021: Tunisia hit by COVID-19 ahead of the round of 16 clash against Nigeria
Twelve Tunisian players and the head coach, Mondher Kebaier have tested positive to the novel virus ahead of the round of 16 match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Tunisia are set to take on the Nigeria later today without their head coach, Mondher Kebaier their captain Wahbi Khazri, and eleven others.
The Assistant coach, Jalal Al-Qadri revealed this in a press conference yesterday at the media centre of the Roumdje Adjia Stadium, Garoua. Al- Qadri addressed the press in place of the head coach, and he confirmed that the head coach and twelve Carthage Eagles players will be unavailable for this game due to Covid infection.
The players include Wahbi Khazri (captain), Aissa Laidouni, Dylan Bronn, Ghaylène Chaalali, Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Mohamed Romdhane, Ali Maâloul, Ben Hmida, Aymen Dahmen Yoann Touzgha and Issam Jebali.
In addition, Tunisian goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha is already suspended for this game. So, thirteen Tunisian players are not available for this match.
This does not look good for a team aiming to win the AFCON title for the first time since 2004. Even in the absence of a crisis, Tunisia have not been impressive enough.
Asides from their 4-0 demolishing of Mauritania, Tunisia performed below expectation in the group phase. They could only qualify through third place qualification with just three points after losing to the debutant, Gambia and the eventual Group winners, Mali.
They will battle it out against Nigeria in Garoua, 20.00 today for a place in the quarterfinal.
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