Tunisia women’s national team head coach, Kamel Saada, has acknowledged the towering challenge his side faces against Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
The North African side has been drawn in Group B alongside nine-time champions Nigeria, fast-rising Algeria, and Botswana. Tunisia begin their campaign with a daunting clash against Nigeria on Sunday, 6 July, in Casablanca.
While the Super Falcons remain the most decorated team in WAFCON history, Saada insists Tunisia won’t be heading into the competition just to make up the numbers.
“It’s a tough group. Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria. Algeria is improving fast. Botswana too. We’re not underestimating anyone,” Saada told CAF’s official website.
“We’ll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football. The team that plays smart, cohesive football can pull off surprises. We’re preparing for that seriously.”
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Tunisia made a positive impression in the last edition of WAFCON, reaching the knockout stage. Saada believes that experience, combined with a thorough preparation plan, could help his team push the group’s giants all the way.
“We’ve set up a two-month preparation plan. Right now, we’re at a training camp in Ain Draham, at altitude,” he explained. “We’re working well, with video sessions and tactics tailored to each opponent.”
“We know our group is tough: Nigeria, Algeria, Botswana. Three strong teams we respect a lot. We’re preparing match by match with attention to physical, tactical, and mental aspects. All players are present. The mindset is good. We hope to be ready to play a strong tournament.”
Justine Madugu’s Super Falcons will enter the tournament as firm favourites to top Group B.
Nigeria are not only the most successful team in the competition’s history but also possess experience, depth, and an evolving squad brimming with confidence after a strong showing at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, reigning champions South Africa (Bayana Bayana) will be hoping to defend their title, having broken Nigeria’s dominance by lifting the trophy in 2022. The 2024 edition will run from 5 to 26 July in Morocco, with 12 nations competing for the prestigious continental crown.
Tunisia will need more than optimism to make a deep run, but Saada’s faith in tactical discipline and team unity suggests they won’t be pushovers.