Match Preview: Mauritius vs Tunisia

Tunisia seek to end a run of three successive losses when they play away against Mauritius in Curepipe on Sunday at the start of their MTN Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The north Africans lost twice at the World Cup finals in Germany in June and then were beaten 1-0 by Mali in a friendly in Narbonne, France on Aug 16.

It has led to a change in squad personnel by coach Roger Lemerre, who has turned to several youthful additions n his attempt to build a new side for the 2008 MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana.

One of the new additions, Esperance’s Karim Zaiem has, 

however, pulled out of the squad because of injury Mauritius’ new coach Sarjoo Gowreesungkur has recalled the 34-year-od Sebastien Bax, who said he was delighted to team up with another veteran Desire Periatambee in the midfield.

“It’s a honour to be back and I like the commitment I’ve seen in the squad,” said Bax. But he warned Mauritius would have it tough against the Tunisians.

“They are a team of world class quality who have just played in the World Cup. They play a European game with quick passes and lots of technical skills. They also posses a coach of high calibre in the person of Roger Lemerre. It will be difficult for us but we want to lift our game and look to profit from playing at home at the George V stadium,” Bax added.