Tunisia Coach: Counter Attacking Strategy Was Key to Our Success

Tunisia Manager Alain Giresse assured that the counter attacking game plan he implemented after the group stages which was very evident against Senegal was the key for Tunisia reaching the late stages of this year's African Cup of Nationsز

In addition Giresse expressed his utmost surprise at Egypt's early exit from the tournament.

These statements came a day before his team will play against Nigeria, in the match that will determine the third place holder for this year's African Cup of Nations. The match is set to take place on Wednesday in El-Salam Stadium at 9:00 Pm Local Egyptian time.

Giresse also stated that the matches in this year's tournament dictated how the Tunisian team could adapt, the counter attacking game plan was forced upon the team and they had to abide by the circumstances of the matches.

The French football legend also cited the Senegalese team as the toughest team they faced throughout their competition, citing their physical and tactical abilities as extreme and also noted the strong Arsenal of world class players that the team contained.

He also stated that Tunisia's counter attacking game play got them the upper hand against Senegal in the second half, as the North African team ironically missed 2 assured goal in the form of one on ones with the goalkeeper, in addition to a missed penalty by Zamalek star Ferjanni Sassy.

When asked about his expectations on who would win the African Cup of Nations Final, Giresse answered that it is 50-50 and that nothing is certain as both teams contain unique qualities that could guide them forward in the closing match of the tournament.

In the end, Giresse expressed his great surprise that AFCON hosts Egypt was eliminated earlier from the competition, citing their weak performances in the group stages. He further stated that he expected a lot more from the multiple time champions who were playing this tournament on their home turf.