•Kadri said both sides had a good go at each other but felt they had better moments that should have resulted in a win for them.
•Kadri added that the game was also quite physical but provided a good test ahead of their final group match
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Tunisia head coach, Jalel Kadri feels his side played well but were unfortunate not to get all three points after playing out to a 1-1 draw against Mali on Saturday evening at Korhogo’s Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
The 2004 champions came from behind to salvage a point in what was an evenly balanced-match between the two sides.
Speaking after the match in Korhogo, Kadri said both sides had a good go at each other but felt they had better moments that should have resulted in a win for them.
“The match was very intense and we were very involved in all aspects of the game. We were looking for the victory but we were unlucky not to get it after playing well for most parts of the game. The two teams were equal and the last 10 minutes were very difficult. We were not looking for a draw, we tried getting the win, but unfortunately, this did not happen,” said Kadri.
Kadri added that the game was also quite physical but provided a good test ahead of their final group match.
“What we have seen today is that we gave a good offensive game. They were very physical, and our players got some knocks but that did not stop us, and we continued working hard. Getting a point against Mali is very important and such a tough match is good for us ahead of the final group match,” he concluded.
Tunisia find themselves in a very precautious situation going into their final match against South Africa. They currently occupy the third spot from the group with Mali topping the table followed by Namibia who were to face South Africa last evening.
Meanwhile, following their 1-1 stalemate against Tunisia, Mali midfielder, Kamory Doumbia says the team needs were tested but did well to salvage a point against the former champions.
Doumbia was speaking after being awarded the Man of the Match award on Saturday evening where he said the team’s overall result was more important than his trophy.
“I am proud of this award but It’s not the individual trophies that matter, but we have to win as a team. This was a tough match that tested us, but we managed to get a result and keep our objective alive” said the hard-working midfielder.
Commenting on their final match against Namibia, Doumbia assured that they would play with the same hunger and determination shown against South Africa, where they got their first win.
“We are going to try to win. We will play with hunger and determination. We wanted to win the match and got strong moments and then things just didn’t go our way and we couldn’t find the goals. The last match is crucial, and we will give it our best” assured Doumbia.
Mali face Namibia in their final Group ‘E’ match on Wednesday in San Pedro’s Sate Laurent Pokou.