The Gambia will today, Thursday play Tunisia in their final Group F match of the Africa Cup of Nations to be played at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium at 7pm.
The Gambia and Tunisia are separated by just one point in Group F after two group matches for each.
The Scorpions currently lead the way in the group table, leveled on four points with second-place Mali, while the Eagles of Carthage are third with three points from two outings.
The Gambia maintained their fine start to their maiden Africa Cup of Nations as they put on a resilient display to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Mali last Sunday.
Following an uneventful first half, Ibrahima Kone converted his 79th-minute penalty to put the Eagles ahead but Musa Barrow was calm under pressure as he made no mistake from the opposite penalty spot to restore parity in the 90th minute for The Gambia.
Tom Sainfiet will be delighted with his side’s start to the tournament after they opened their campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over a resilient Mauritania side when they squared off last Wednesday.
Having amassed four points from their first two games, Gambia is currently top of Group F, leveled on points with second-placed Mali, and a share of the spoils today, Thursday will be enough to see them through to the last 16.
Tunisia, who are currently third in the group standings with three points from two outings, have now won just one of their last three games in all competitions, losing two of those games, including December’s Arab Cup final against Algeria.
Meanwhile, the Scorpions side received a major boost ahead of their today’s encounter after it was announced Tunisia could be without 12 players for their pivotal Afcon game today, because of coronavirus.
According to Tunisia’s press officer, Captain Wahbi Khazri, who scored two goals in his country’s 4-0 win over Mauritania on Sunday and set up another, is among seven players who have tested positive.
The Carthage Eagles need at least a point against The Gambia to have a chance to progress as one of four best third-placed sides, while victory would secure a spot in the last 16.
Defender Ali Maaloul and midfielder Ghaylene Chaalali, who both started against the Mourabitounes, will also be missing along with Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida and goalkeepers Aymen Dahmen and Ali Jemal.
