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Cape Town - Tunisia will look to seal a place in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations when they tackle DR Congo in their final Group B.
The North Africans find themselves placed on top of the standings after a 1-1 draw with Cape Verde and 2-1 win over Zambia in their first two matches. They need only a draw to secure progression into the knockout rounds, while a win will guarantee them top spot.
As for the Leopards, they are placed third on the standings after draws with Zambia and Cape Verde. A win will take them through to the quarterfinals; while a third draw could be enough depending on the result of the other Group B match between Cape Verde and Zambia.
Tunisia coach Georges Leekens praised his side for their come-from-behind win over Zambia, highlighting their excellent character and attitude.
"We have four points but everyone is still in contention. We are not the best team, we don't have Ronaldo or Messi, but we have a team with enormous character and great mental strength," Leekens said.
"Now we need to be careful against Congo and approach the match as if it were a final."
DRC coach Florent Ibenge believes his team can still qualify for the quarterfinals: "I am a confident coach. It remains a contest. We can qualify. I always have to be optimistic, push my team to victory, knowing that the game is not like another. It is not yet eliminated. Tunisia has not yet qualified.”
Tunisia and DRC have met in 10 previous official international matches. The Carthage Eagles have five wins compared to three for the Leopards. Three of those 10 meetings took place in AFCON tournaments and Tunisia have an unbeaten record in that regard, with two wins and a draw. They last met in the AFCON in 2004 when the North Africans won 3-0 in the group stages en route to winning the title.
Kick-off is at 20:00 (SA time) on Monday, January 26.
