Giant-killers Gabon target Tunisia scalp

Gabon, drawn in a tough first-round group alongside Cameroon and Zambia, can enhance their chances of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations last eight by beating Tunisia here on Sunday.

The Azingo debuted at the Nations Cup in 1994 and two years later they got as far as the quarter-finals. This will be their fourth Nations Cup finals.

On Wednesday, they upset the record books in their opening Group D match by beating four-time champions Cameroon 1-0.

This was only their second ever victory in the tournament and another win at the Chela Stadium against the Carthage Eagles could well propel them to the quarter-finals once more.

Gabon, who have a population of just two million people and who are scheduled to co-host the 2012 Nations Cup, were not intimidated by their nemesis in the World Cup qualifiers, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who defeated them home and away to book their flight to South Africa 2010.

They held out in Lubango for a famous win to partially avenge the loss they suffered at the hands of the Lions last year.

Coach Alain Giresse has said he would be satisfied with a place in the knockout stage.

“Even if we finish second in this group, we will be happy. What we want is to qualify for the next round,” said the former France World Cup star.

Probably the biggest shortcoming of this team is that several of their key players have been without clubs for some time and so may struggle with match fitness, especially as they continue to progress in the competition.

However, the entire team will have been encouraged by the sight of Le Mans’ giant goalkeeper Didier Ovono keeping a clean sheet against the likes of Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o and his high-profile team-mates on Wednesday.

The pitch at the Chela Stadium is the best of the four stadiums for this championship and will suit the attractive passing game of the Azingo.

Tunisia, on the other hand, are undergoing a rebuilding process after they were pipped at the post by Nigeria for a ticket to the World Cup in June.

Faouzi Benzarti, back at his former post, has re-organised the side assembled by sacked Portuguese coach Humberto Coelho, meaning this is a team in transition.

“Over half the team is taking part in their first Nations Cup. This is a young team that I believe will get better as the competition progresses,” assured skipper Karim Haggui.

Sochaux defender Yassine Mikari should be fit for Sunday’s tie after he had to pass a late fitness test to star against Zambia, while more is expected from Esperance midfielder Oussama Darragi as the 2004 champions attempt to prove they can also hold their own many thousands of miles away from home.

However, the appointment of Benin referee Coffi Codjia for the game has been greeted by uproar in Tunisia.

Last year, Etoile du Sahel protested against his appointment for their CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly of Tripoli in April, listing several instances where they claimed he had been unfair to Tunisian teams and prompting his replacement.