PREVIEW: FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER, QATAR 2022: Tunisia vs. Equatorial Guinea.
Date: 3rd September 2021.
Time: 1900hrs GMT.
Venue: Stade Hammadi Agrebi, Radès.
In 1978, Tunisia became the first African country to win a FIFA World Cup match. The Carthage Eagles beat Mexico 3 – 1 in their first attempt at the biggest football carnival. However, they failed to make it past the Group Stage, and the subsequent appearances in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2018.
With a new generation of players, the team now has lofty dreams. Head Coach Mondher Kebaier has been tasked with ensuring that the Tunisians navigate a tricky pool that includes Equatorial Guinea, Zambia and Mauritania on their way to Qatar 2022.
Tunisia’s first match is against Equatorial Guinea at the 60 thousand capacity Olympic stadium in Radès, about 10 kilometres from the capital Tunis. The venue has seen several famous victories by the national team, and would be an intimidating atmosphere for the Equato-Guineans.
In the lead up to the 2014 World Cup, the2 countries coincidentally were in Group B in the 2nd round. Tunisia beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 at home and drew 1-1 in Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea started playing international football in 1975. However, it was until recently that they started making great strides in African football. Their first 2 Africa Cup of Nations appearances were as hosts in 2012 and 2015, and were quarter finalists and semi-finalists.
Equatorial Guinea may have never been involved in a World Cup Qualifier, but they are a country desperate to make an impression on African football. With about 3 quarters of the population below the poverty line, and the repressive nature of his government always making the headlines, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo views football as an opportunity to sell the country’s image. This has culminated in huge investment over the last couple of years.
The Nzalang Nacional may be motivated to gain a first time experience at the World Cup but the quality of Tunisia could be too difficult to handle. The experience of Ferjani Sassi, Youssef Msakni, Wahbi Khazri, Naïm Sliti coupled with a few rising stars should be able to deal with the threats of their opponents.
Manager of Equatorial Guinea Juan Micha Obiang Bicogo, has sounded out a note of caution to their opponents. For him, there are no favourites in the group, and every single game would matter. Emilio Nsué, Pablo Ganet and Pedro Obiang are a few notable stars who would be on parade.
The African game has evolved over the years, but Tunisia look favourites especially in front of their home fans. They have only lost twice in 19 matches and are highly tipped to win the top of the group.