Group E has an exciting mix of teams, each more than capable of advancing to the next round. Tunisia and Angola will get their respective campaigns underway on Monday evening with the North Africans favourites to get off the mark with maximum points.
Tunisia vs Angola | Group E | Monday 24 June | Suez Stadium | 19:00
To Win (90 Mins)
Tunisia 13/20
Draw 5/2
Angola 17/4
Tunisia
Tunisia are looking fired up for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations after topping their qualifying group ahead of hosts, Egypt (prior to Cameroon being stripped of their hosting rights). The Eagles of Carthage won five of their six qualifying games, scoring 12 goals and conceding four times. They did, however, suffer defeat at the hands of Egypt, going down 3-2 in an epic five-goal thriller.
The biggest shock for the North Africans was the omission of Ali Maaloul from their final 23-man squad. Al Ahly’s left-back was one of the most consistent players in the Egyptian Premier League, scoring six goals while assisting seven in 24 games.
Midfield sensation, Naim Sliti, was a game-changer during the qualifiers as he topped the scoring charts for Tunisia with four goals to his name.
Angola
Angola topped their qualifying group ahead of Mauritania (who are in Group E as well) but only due to their superior goal difference. The Southern Africans won four of their six qualifiers but fell to two defeats.
Looking at their danger men, Mateus Galiano is an obvious threat for the Angolans. The Boavista forward banged four goals in the qualifying round and will be hoping to get his team off to a winning start.
Gelson Dala will offer support in getting the job done. He is a quick and tricky player with the ability to glide past defenders. And last but not least, Djalma Campos, will be looking to dictate play from the midfield of the park and hopefully create enough chances to give the Giant Sable Antelopes an edge.
Verdict: Tunisia (13/20)
These sides last met in 2008 with the spoils being shared 1-1. I’m predicting a different outcome on Monday evening. Tunisia look very much capable of at least making the semi-finals. Back the Eagles of Carthage to reign supreme.
Written by Aaron Crowie.
