Step 5: Tunisia vs. Kenya Preview

October 8th, 2009 | by: Rami |

mosaique fm It’s Thursday and Sunday’s game against the Harambee Stars of Kenya inches ever closer. Since our 2-2 tie against Nigeria, the FTF has been busy getting friendlies lined up and tracing a plan to ensure that we perform well at the next African Cup of Nations in Angola but before all of that there’s business to take care of in Rades.

On Sunday at 17:00 Tunisia Time (18:00 CET) we’ll be seeking nothing less than three points versus a weakened but still dangerous Kenya squad. A lot of people are getting caught up in scorelines and I can see why. We want our team not only to win but to impress and widen the divide between us and our direct rivals on goals scored and goal difference to guard against any bad surprises.

However, let us not forget that our primary focus should be to play well and achieve victory. If we stick to our gameplan and make good use of our chances then the goals should follow naturally. The players must implement what Humberto Coelho has been drawing up in training and the fans’ only responsibility will be to cheer on our Carthage Eagles with every breath for the full duration of the encounter no matter how the team performs. Also, lets not fall into the same trap as many Nigerians did, predicting very one sided scorelines. A win is a win and we’ll take it however it comes.

While we’ve all been warning against overconfidence (and that’s a good thing), the flipside of that which hasn’t been mentioned nearly as much is the weight of responsibility while playing at home. If it is not channeled correctly by the players, instead of being a motivating factor, it could have a paralyzing effect. That is where Coelho must play his biggest role as mental preparation will be key.

The match against Nigeria was a match where he won out on tactics. This one will have be one where he wins out on motivation and man management. Thankfully for him, despite the youthfulness of the squad he has built, he disposes of players who are used to such high pressure thanks to their club commitments whether past or current.

Furthermore, everyone is saying the right things. In every interview I’ve heard thus far, the boys in red and white have all been unanimous that this next match will be more difficult than the one in Abuja. Whether that is the case or not is not our concern, the good thing is that they all seem to believe it and are bracing themselves for a tough match versus a respectable opponent. In addition, as has been mentioned before on here, the next match is always your toughest match. That’s a winner’s attitude.

Nevermind the fact that Football Kenya Limited is embroiled in a corruption scandal, that arguably the best player on the team (Parma’s McDonald Mariga) will miss out through injury, or that Antoine Hey has bizarrely overlooked top scorer Dennis Oliech. The bottom line is that on Sunday there will be eleven proud Kenyans facing us and you can bet your bottom dollar (or dinar of course, ha) that they aren’t going to do us any favors. Nor would we want them to.

The Harambee Stars have other weapons (Allan Wanga of Petro Atletico, Czech Republic based Patrick Oboya and others). If you want to know more about their situation I touched on it in the Goal.com preview I wrote.

Meanwhile, there are definitely decisions to be as far as our lineups goes. Let’s take a look at the sectors one by one.

Goalkeeper: Easy choice I think, if we follow the logic of competitiveness like we have been thus far for the most part then Aymen Mathlouthi will start because Kasraoui hasn’t played a match for Lens and Ben Mustapha is on his first call-up.

Defense: With our captain Karim Haggui suspended due to yellow card accumulation who will go in his place? Ammar Jemal or Radhouane Felhi have both been used out of position thus far and could get the nod but one option that is being overlooked is Khaled Souissi. Lest we forget that it is his natural position after all…

So basically that decision will hinge on whether Sofian Chahed will get his first start. I think its somewhat unlikely given how new he is to the team but it would definitely be audacious and he is a lot more comfortable on that side than Khaled is. On the left its Yassine Mikari for sure, we’re going to need his marauding runs up that flank against a densely packed Kenyan unit.

Midfield: A plethora of options here. So many that I don’t think I could go into the many combinations of players we could use in a variety of ways. However, my take is we’ll stick to the three defensive midfielders and then put more offensively minded players in later if we struggle to break Hey’s team down. Let’s not forget that we’ll still need enforcers and players who are good at getting back into position when they lose the ball against Kenya because they will almost certainly be employing a counter attacking gameplan.

So, with that in mind, I think the Taider-Ragued-Korbi partnership will remain. With Darragi, Belaid, or Ben Khalfallah on the right side up ahead of those three and Ben Saada on the left. The right side is a toss up if you consider Belaid’s form and that Ben Khalfallah gave the Kenyan defense fits in Nairobi.

However, in my estimation, I think we stick with Darragi both for continuity’s sake and as compensation for that wonder goal in Abuja. Plus it would make the majority of the fans happier than an alternative would. If we employ only two defensive midfielders it gives us the option of putting him behind the attackers and letting him run the show with either Tijani or FBK to his right. I wouldn’t be against that but it’s hard to guess this one so I’ll refrain from doing so. I would personally love to see Dhaouadi get some minutes as well.

Attack: A lot easier to guess what’s going to happen here I think and I’d be very surprised if Issam Jemaa loses his place. It’s possible we use two strikers this time around but then that would affect midfield and I’m not getting into those permutations… If we follow the assumption there will only be one attacker then Jemaa will be there as he has been throughout these qualifiers when he has been healthy and fit.

We’ll definitely get to see Lassad Nouioui in the match eventually too but I think starting him is a lot of pressure for someone who barely played an international match with us. Better to put him into the match later when he can settle in easily (if we’re winning) or we desperately need a goal (if we’re tied or god forbid… trailing). Ali Zitouni is another option but barring an injury to our two other strikers it’s hard to imagine Coelho will start using him as a first option now.

So there you have it, we’re two steps away from our dream but must not look too far ahead of us. The next match requires all our attention and we must all help in any way we can. That includes you. If you’re in Tunisia and you can attend then please go cheer our boys on and represent those of us who cannot. There’s nothing left to say except good luck to our Eagles and to you I say enjoy the match and Forza Tounes!!!

PS: Photos of training and interviews can be found here.

TN WCB On Facebook: Most of you already know this but we have a page for the blog on FB. We’ve grown to 94 members! Help us get to and past that 100 mark by joining if you haven’t. If you have then please suggest it to your friends via the utility on the page (under the photo). The site has been growing in popularity and I have you to thank for it. So, as always, thanks for reading and offering your valuable insights. Keep them coming!

Video Update

Tunisie vs Kenya Preparation
Uploaded by Artiste-Tunisien. – News videos hot off the press.

Something to get you warmed up! Special thanks to Wissam11 from Tunisie-Foot.com for posting. Download it here.

spot tv7 tunisia-kenya
Uploaded by 3inani. – Check out more sports and extreme sports videos.

Tags: Antoine Hey, CAF World Cup Qualifying, Carthage Eagles, Group H, Harambee Stars, Houcine Ragued, Humberto Coelho, Issam Jemaa, Kenya Football Limited, Lassad Nouioui, Nabil Taider, Ousemma Darragi, Tijani Belaid, Tunisia Football, Tunisia vs. Kenya Preview

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 140 comments.

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By thamer | October 11th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

rami, the goal diff is the same, +4 for both teams. what im saying is, if we had won 3-0, our gd would be +6 and nigeria’s +4. if we go to mozambique and tie, we’ll be 12 points with +6 gd, if nigeria go to kenya and win 1-0, they’ll be 12 points with +5 gd, and so we would would qualify. but that scenario cant happen now.

Posted from United States

By Nabil | October 11th, 2009 at 1:57 pm

There is head to head but away goals don’t count.

All CAF recognizes is two draws, whom scored where is irrelevant.

We’re tied on GD, our only advantage was goals for but now even a 1 goal victory for Nigeria and a draw by Tunis means Nigeria would end up +1 on GD whilts we would be at 0.

Really needed at least 2-0 today, miscalculation by Cohelo and lack of execution by the boys.

By Rami | October 11th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

You guys are right, I was thinking of us having more goals scored but in the end its goal difference thats the first criteria. Damn, that Jemaa miss looks a lot worse in retrospect… Well there’s no guarantee that Nigeria beats Kenya but you guys are right in saying this situation isn’t the best…

Posted from United States

By Rami | October 11th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

I’m writing Algeria-Rwanda right now for goal.com so no report on this for a while. Maybe later tonight.

This Algeria game is crazy btw, tied 1-1 and Algeria has had at least one legit goal taken away by the ref and perhaps another too (i need to see the replay).

Posted from United States

By mushefiu | October 11th, 2009 at 2:14 pm

u guys are really a good supporter of ur national team…keep it up guys…i watched both matches today but i concentrated more on tunisia’s game bcuz the nigerian game was so boring….tunisia has made its world cup chances slim cuz i expected them to beat kenya with a convincing margin but as it is now…its a do or die affair in maputo..trust me guys it is not going to be easy for both nigeria and tunisia…but u can’t predict a nigerian team away to kenya in nairobi….as a nigerian i see tunisia draw or lose in nairobi and nigeria win kenya in nairobi…it may sound funny but lets all keep our hands crossed for the final match…..Again,kudos to u guys for being a real soccer fan..

Posted from United States

By bassem | October 11th, 2009 at 2:16 pm

So we need to win over there. Clearly its going to be tough but thats sports. InshALLAH marbouha and we will see what comes, i know one thing for sure, Jemaa out Chermiti in. Period.

By Nabil A. | October 11th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

I disagree Bassem, I thin if we can incorporate both Jemaa and Chermiti into the team, that will be the ideal solution. Jemaa played a good game today. He dominated physically and the reason why me did not shine is because he didnt have much support up front.

By Adam Talbi | October 11th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

I’m so mad right now thought we had it, but Nigeria scored at the last minute in there. Tunisia are going to have difficult time in Maputo because Mozambique they aint playin’.
Tunisia needs to start preparing right away and think about the mozambique match i will pray and pray for a victory against Mozambique and hopefuly i will see Tunisia in world cup next year.
Incallah ya rab……………..Tunisia should also play a game 11/11/09….do anyone now if Tunisia is playing against France 11th November????
Hopefuly they will, because we should be extrimely prepared against Mozambique. If the luck is with Tunisia, we will win maybe 2-0

By Gio | October 11th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

We got the 3 points, thats what truely matters… we dont need no favors! if we beat mozambique, we’ll get through no matter what!! if we can beat kenya awway and tie nigeria in abuja, im pretty sure we can pull off a result and beat mozambique, i honestly think there the weakest team in the group!

By Nabil A. | October 11th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

does anyone know when the match against saudi arabia is (time wise not date wise)

By tounsi | October 11th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

oh boy what a weak preformance..when the preassure is getting bigger our players are getting more nervous.
they cant play a match like this in mozambique i tell u. to win over there, we really need to create more chances and our midfield players should SHOOT more often on target(today i think i saw only one shot from FBK) a player like ben saada who has a perfect shot didnt shoot at all while he had 2 chances to shoot!! anayway i prefer chermiti & Lassad together, but they didnt play a single match together i think..hmm ok Jemaa remains the only option i guess:D

Posted from Netherlands

By bassem | October 11th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

Nabil A. Sorry man but Isaam is strugling at the moment at his club, we saw that on the latst matches that he played and today i realy was dissapointed how he was shouting at Darragi. Things that need to be said can be said in a nice way, not the way he did during the match. In half time they had enough time to disagree with each other. I don’t know if any one else so this, but even the Tunisian commentator was dissapointed with the way Isaam preformed today.

I Agree with Tounsi that we need to shoot more because they both play a crowded game in the centre leaving no room to play a passing game.
You need to earn support as well Nabil, and Jemaa didn’t earn his support today.

If you check out earlier post you can see my prediction of the 1-0 win of Tunisia today. Can’t say if its luck but i don’t have a good feeling about the Mozambique game you guys.

Posted from Netherlands

By Nabil | October 11th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

Frankly our attack let much to be desired, think it would be harsh to only pick out Jemma. IMO we gave Kenya far too much respect and that unfortunately denie3d us any opportunity to create a plethora of chances.

Don’t mean to disrespect Kenya but really 1-0 in Rades is a joke. Simply a matter of the team just hoping to hold on to a narrow victory rather than taking the game by the jugular and turning the screws on the Kenya.

The NT struggles in Rades be it the loss to Burkina Faso, the mediocre displays against Mozambique, Nigeria and today Kenya we lack the confidence to say “This is our house and just be happy to escape with a 3-0 defeat”.

Odd because we have been so much better mentally and fotballistically in Nairobi and Abuja.

Today was far to similar to the Lemerre era.

By bassem | October 11th, 2009 at 5:50 pm

I agree, don’t get me wrong but i know we should be happy with the 3 points and i know it was a nervous game for the players as well but i realy didn’t like this match, Nigiria was much better to watch.

Rami, when you find time and also have info could you please post Coelho’s findings on the match? Thanks Bud!

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | October 11th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

http://www.mosaiquefm.net/index/a/ActuDetail/Element/8438

Here you go Bassem, all the post match thoughts…

Posted from United States

By bassem | October 11th, 2009 at 6:19 pm

Thanks Rami i can listen to the other guys,cause i understand jack @#$% of french. Do you understand French? Because i know Coelho talks in French. But i can listen to the other guys as well.

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | October 11th, 2009 at 6:21 pm

I’ll talk about it in my match report. He basically concedes the fact that he made a mistake taking out Ragued. He says maybe but its a diplomatic way of saying he messed that substitution up.

Posted from United States

By Obinna | October 11th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Phew…..what tension for me today!

Following the two matches simultaneously almost gave me heart failure! I came to the same conclusion about Nigeria’s qualification chances earlier today: any win for us in Kenya plus a draw for Tunisia in Maputo (at most) sees us sneek through by the back door. You guys talk about nervousness by your team, you should have seen the Nigerian players today. Plus Mozambique appear to be an excellnt team. It was the most frustrating game I’ve watched in recent times (even more so than the 2-2 draw with your team at Abuja), and I’m certain it will be tough for Tunisia in Maputo. However, I’m by no means confident that we can beat Kenya in Nairobi either! Regardless of what you guys think of Kenya, I think they are a decent side, and they gave us problems in Abuja. I guess we just have to wait and see how things go, but it’s a nice feeling to know we are still in the race because going into second half injury time against Mozambique today, I thought we had blown it! May the team that will represent Africa better at the World Cup qualify!!!!

Posted from United States

By Hatim | October 11th, 2009 at 7:31 pm

Obinna – “May the team that will represent Africa better at the World Cup qualify!!!!”

And that would be Tunisia, hands down. We are the better team right now. Ive been seeing on other blogs and forums that us and Algeria wouldn’t represent africa as well as Nigeria and Egypt. Its pissing me off but what can you do. Just because they are known as bigger soccer countries doesn’t make them better.

By Rami | October 11th, 2009 at 8:46 pm

Oh and Nabil, Tunisia plays Saudi on Wednesday at 19:10 Tunisia Time.

Posted from United States

By Rachid | October 11th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

In all fairness, it’s still very hard to predict who is going to qualify: Tunisia or Nigeria?, Algeria or Egypt? Cameroon or Gabon? By beating Kenya by just one goal, we undoubtedly made things tough for ourselves, since our only option is to beat Mozambique on their turf. That ain’t going to be easy because they still have to fight for their chance to qualify for Angola 2010! Algeria succeeded at scoring 3 goals today, which put them in a more comfortable place. I think they’re much closer than Egypt, but nothing is guaranteed. That game is going to be a highly charged showdown in Cairo! Already the Egyptians are predicting a big win, although the numbers do not support that. I saw today in some Egyptian website a reference to the Algeria-Rwanda 3-1 result as a “intisar hazeel”, meaning a very weak result!!! Reminds me of the Arabic/Tunisian saying “a goat even if it flew”. It seems everyone is in the same boat, though. Cameroon may not qualify unless they beat Morocco in Morocco, and considering Morocco’s situation, I don’t think they’ll let that happen. All of this points to the fact that team levels have come closer than ever before and that we should not go by country names and voice our surprise why a certain country may not qualify. Nigerians, based on their input here and elsewhere seem to grasp this, but I’m not sure the Egyptians do. Perhaps a heroic performance by Algeria on Nov 14 will settle that question. Good luck to all!

By Native Son | October 11th, 2009 at 11:13 pm

Ha ha ha ha!!!

Don’t I love this.

Yes, Macharia my brother. I am delighted to! I am beyond myself.

How I wish Tunisia had thrashed us 6-0.

I am surprised that Tunisia is having a problem beating us convincingly. I have very regard for Tunisia, NIgeria, IC, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco and SEnegal. To most of us, they are Africa’s finest but surprisingly, we keep losing by a single goal to Tunisia.

I, and I believe most KEnyans as well, want to see coach Antoine Hey sacked! He is a disgrace. Though our problem isn’t entirely technical (coaching), we had a better tactician in coach Kimanzi. We had a cohesive team that was very much in sync but since we value any and everything foreign while at the same time despising and denigrating our own, we went for a German and this is what we get.

As I predicted here a yesterday, Kenya, through the Olympics gold medallist Sammy Wanjiru Kamau, won the CHicago marathon race in a course record! We also missed the Women’s half marathon World record by a whisker thanks to the winner, Mary Keitany. THat is what we are good at.

IN our own stupidity, we trash football, we fail to invest in it, we let stupid politicians run it, they give us third tier German coaches at the expense of our own, and then we cry when we lose. I hope Nigeria kill us in Nairobi when we meet. Then, HEy gets fired, we miss the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, we bring back coach Kimanzi and try and start a fresh.

Until then, I care not where our football is headed. I wish Tunisia, Nigeria and Mozambique well. May the best man win. As for me, I am at peace with myself, and the world.

By Native Son | October 11th, 2009 at 11:18 pm

Oops! Several Mistakes.

“I am delighted too.”

“I have very high regard…”

“I hope Nigeria kills us…..”

Apologies. I didn’t edit my work.

By Arley | October 12th, 2009 at 11:24 am

Native Son Shame on You.

Not may proud Kenyans tanish thier own country, Most are wary by the way the football is run, but when its comes to solidarity & support it is there for whever wears the National colours.

Right now the Harambee stars are playing good football minus Oliech, and are feared even by great African teams.

That was a very positive display from Harambee stars..i think the coach did great to instill such confidence to the players to hold and attack Tunisia in their ground as much as Harambee stars did with the likes of Mariga and Oliech missing..best football played by Harambee stars in so many years.well done.

Posted from Netherlands

By James Macharia | October 14th, 2009 at 8:21 am

Today we have woken up to the news that Antoine Hey has arleady signed a two years contract with Arab contractors ,somebody please confirm this beacuse it is the best news for Kenyan football this week.As for Arab contractors iam unable to understand why they would hire this failure.

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