Tunis — In the presence of Sami Trabelsi assistant coach and players Karim Hagui, Issam Jomaa and Aymen Mathlouthi, Tunisia's national coach, Mr. Bertrand Marchand said, on Thursday, during a press briefing held in Gammarth that the coaching staff will align a good team for the opening game as part of the qualification to the 2012 African Cup of Nation.

The Tunisia's official press agency (TAP), reports that Marchand expressed his satisfaction with the performance of "the Carthage Eagles" during the friendly match held on June 20, against Sudan in Khartoum , in spite of the fact that the Sudanese team was not complete that day.

Mr. Marchand was convinced that the heavy score against Sudan despite the difficult weather conditions and the long trip, "proves that the players have character and that they have regained their offensive efficiency", he said.

In addition, the French coach was satisfied with the consistency and solidarity within the group and the renewed confidence among the players after the victory. Referring to the match against Botswana which will be held on July 1 st at the El Menzah indoor stadium, Mr. Marchand declared that "we have to take the team seriously".

He added that the technical staff will ensure tighter group, especially with the arrival of the expatriates Slim Ben Achour, Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Yassine Chikhaoui, Houcine Ragued, Mehdi Nafti, Alaedine Yahia and Yacine Mikari. "These players, he said, have an undeniable potential and can contribute much to the national team as well as local players who do not lack qualities either".

The coaching staff tried to "protect the group spirit and good atmosphere between the players after the qualification in 2011African Championship of local players", said the assistant coach, Sami Trabelsi, while calling to take advantage of this performance to go ahead and take seriously the match against Botswana.

"Carthage Eagles" will play the qualifiers for the 2012 African Cup of Nations, within the group "11" alongside Botswana, Chad, Malawi and Togo.