Speaking at the pre-match press conference on the eve of Tunisia’s second fixture against Botswana in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, national team coach Mouine Chaabani told Tunisie Numérique that tomorrow evening’s match in Radès, against a direct rival, is of major importance. The Carthage Eagles have no choice but to win in order to make up for the setback suffered against Uganda on their own ground.

Chaabani added: “We will do everything possible to win, God willing, especially since the decisions we make are always based on the opponent’s physical and tactical characteristics. That is what we have prepared for our next opponent, who has particular qualities, as he demonstrated against Libya. I hope our choices will be the right ones, both offensively and defensively.”

Regarding the current national team squad, the coach stressed that “it is renewed from one year to the next and from one age group to another, as is the case with the under-20 team, which is taking part in an international friendly tournament in Egypt, as well as with the under-23 side. They simply need to work and test themselves against the major football nations, notably through competitions such as the Olympic Games.”

The national team coach concluded by providing further details on the current situation: “This is not a matter of changing everything overnight, or in one month, or two months, or after a few matches. This phase requires a great deal of time and patience.”

For example, since the first meeting with journalists, discussions have focused on the overall state of the domestic championship, as well as stadiums and infrastructure that are not up to the required standards. That is why everyone must rally behind the national team in particular, and Tunisia as a whole.

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