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Ayew predicts Ghana will extend 54-year dominance of Tunisia
CAIRO, July 7, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Andre Ayew-captained Ghana seek a seventh
straight Africa Cup of Nations victory over Tunisia when they clash Monday in
the final last-16 match in Egypt.
After the countries drew a 1963 group game, the Black Stars defeated the
Carthage Eagles in Tunis to win the 1965 final and begin an amazing six-
match, 54-year winning streak.
“Tunisia will fall in Ismailia on Monday,” predicted Ayew, one of two sons
of Ghana legend Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew in the Ghana squad.
“Football is not only about tactics, it is also about being united as a
team and competing for every ball.
“We have to be smart too and I have no doubt that the boys will deliver
against Tunisia and reach the quarter-finals.”
The Ayews have made a significant impact already with Crystal Palace
forward Jordan scoring two and Fenerbahce midfielder Andre one of the four
goals that won Group F.
Here, AFP Sport spotlights the final two last-16 matches with the Ivory
Coast playing Mali in Suez before Ghana and Tunisia square off in Ismailia.
Ghana v Tunisia
Perhaps it is their dominance of Tunisia in the Cup of Nations, or better
form in the group phase in Egypt, but Ghana are brimming with confidence.
“We have watched them, know how they play and are going to beat them,”
promised Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso.
“We are taking this tournament match by match, never looking beyond our
next opponents. Our focus in exclusively on defeating Tunisia and reaching
the last eight.”
Tunisia have been a major disappointment apart from forward Wahbi Khazri,
failing to win a group match and scraping through in second place, four
points behind Mali.
The first victim of the poor showing was mental trainer David Marcel, who
has been sacked for “interfering in the technical choices during the
tournament”, an official said. Ivory Coast v Mali
Mali are seeking a first victory over fellow west Africans the Ivory Coast
at the Cup of Nations after three losses and a draw.
They share 62nd place in the world rankings, suggesting the teams are
evenly matched, although the Ivorian Elephants’ squad appears stronger than
that of the Malian Eagles.
Ivory Coast coach Ibrahim Kamara has a wealth of attacking talent to choose
from, including Jonathan Kodjia, Nicolas Pepe and Wilfried Zaha from the top
five leagues of Europe.
“We have already done better than in 2017,” said Kamara, referring to the
first round elimination of the then defending champions. “Now we have to
achieve more.”
Moussa Marega, who scored six times for Porto in the last Champions League,
is the stand-out forward for Mali, whose six goals in the group stage was
matched only by Algeria.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0954 hrs