Tunisia coach hails ‘brilliant’ Madagascar

by BackPageTXT

Thursday Jul 11, 2019. 12:14

Tunisia coach Alain Giresse has lavished praise on 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal opponents Madagascar.

The Carthage Eagles will face tournament debutants Barea in a last-eight clash in Cairo tonight.

Though the North Africans are clear favourites to advance into the semis, Giresse says his side “totally respects” Madagascar and is not expecting an easy game.

“Madagascar plays brilliantly. The most important thing is to focus in front of an energetic opponent,” said the French coach at his pre-match press conference.

“We know them very well and we totally respect them as a team. We have to be at the top level and forget our previous performances.

“We are not complaining about anything, all we have to do is cope and prepare ourselves for the game.”

Giresse was joined in the press conference by Taha Yassine Khenissi, who scored against Ghana in Tunisia’s last 16 clash earlier in the week. The forward echoed his coach’s sentiments.

“Madagascar will not be easy, they’re very strong and pressure will be on us,” said Khenissi. “We have to perform well and qualify.”