COTE D'IVOIRE
Copa
Bamba, Toure, Tiene
Toure, Zokora, Gradel, Tiote
Drogba, Gervinho, Traore
TUNISIA
Mathlouthi
Gharbi, Alheishri, Abdennour, Boussaidi
Mouelhi, Saihi, Hammami, Msakni
Jemaa, Khelifa
Cote d’Ivoire face Tunisia in the second round of Group D matches, following victories for both sides in the opening fixtures. The Ivorians defeated Togo 2-1 in a match where the Togolese showed their ability, but the class and stamina of the Elephants allowed them to snatch the win.
The Carthage Eagles found a similar situation in their game against fellow north Africans Algeria, with a superb strike from Youssef Msakni stealing the show, and all three points.
This clash is set to be one of the most entertaining yet, as the Ivorians have incredible firepower, while the Tunisians possess players of quality who can change the game with ease.
The Tunisians will be without leading scorer Issam Jemaa, who was injured in a tackle during the early stages of the previous match. That will be a big disappointment for coach Sami Trabelsi, as the striker has been in good form and has the experience of scoring 34 goals under his belt.
Cote d'Ivoire go into this match with a full strength squad, and coach Sabri Lamouchi will look to build confidence ahead of the knockout stages with a commanding performance.
Didier Drogba and his star-studded team-mates are the main attraction of the tournament, and they will be feeling the pressure to win the Afcon title in South Africa, with many of the players conscious of the fact that this is likely to be their last Nations Cup campaign.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are six English Premier League players in the Cote d'Ivoire 2013 Afcon squad and five French Ligue 1 players.
Despite the star-studded Ivorian team, they still came with one home based player, Badra Ali Sangare, who is the outfit’s third choice goalkeeper.
Didier Drogba has reiterated that this edition will be his last with the Elephants, although he said he would be playing in the 2014 World Cup if they happen to qualify.
Tunisia are known as the Carthage Eagles.
The north Africans will be missing their top scorer, Issam Jemaa, who has scored 34 times for Tunisia.
The Tunisians have been unable to repeat their success since their 2004 Afcon crown, only reaching the quarter-final stages of the tournament since they lifted the trophy.
Prediction
The Elephants will be looking to continue where they left off against Togo with another victory against tough opposition.
Editor's Prediction
Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 Tunisia
