Lemerre Tips Favourites But Not His Own Team

Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre has tipped Ghana, Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire as the top contenders to win the MTN Africa Cup of Nations.

“Hosts Ghana, title holders Egypt and runner ups of the previous tournament Cote d’Ivoire are my nominees to win the cup,” the Frenchman said on the eve of the start of the tournament on Sunday.

“I believe those teams are the best in Africa at the moment.” Lemerre, however, offered no prediction for his own team’s chances.

“It’s a very tough tournament and all I’m thinking of now is how to get past our tough group”

 
“We have 14 players in our squad who will be making their first ever appearance in such a big tournament but they are all bold and lack no motivation”

Lemerre added his players were affected by the absence of team mate Tijani Belaid. The 20-year-old midfielder, who plays for Slavia Prague, was arrested after being involved in a car accident that resulted in three death on New Years’ Day.