Afcon 2019: Ayew, Wakaso confident Ghana will extend dominance of Tunisia

Captain Andre Ayew-led Ghana seek a seventh straight Africa Cup of Nations victory over Tunisia when they clash Monday in the final last-16 match in Ismailia.

Kickoff is at 16:00 GMT.

After the countries drew a 1963 group game, the Black Stars defeated the Carthage Eagles in Tunis to win the 1965 final and begin an amazing six-match, 54-year winning streak.

“Tunisia will fall in Ismailia on Monday,” predicted Ayew, one of two sons of Ghana legend Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew in the Ghana squad.

“Football is not only about tactics, it is also about being united as a team and competing for every ball.

“We have to be smart too and I have no doubt that the boys will deliver against Tunisia and reach the quarterfinals.”

The Ayews have made a significant impact already with Crystal Palace forward Jordan scoring two and Fenerbahce midfielder Andre one of the four goals that won group F.

Here, we spotlight the final two last-16 matches with the Ivory Coast playing Mali in Suez before Ghana and Tunisia square off in Ismailia.

Focus Tunisia

Perhaps it is their dominance of Tunisia in the Cup of Nations, or better form in the group phase in Egypt, but Ghana are brimming with confidence.

“We have watched them, know how they play and are going to beat them,” promised Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso.

“We are taking this tournament match by match, never looking beyond our next opponents. Our focus in exclusively on defeating Tunisia and reaching the last eight.”

Tunisia have been a major disappointment apart from forward Wahbi Khazri, failing to win a group match and scraping through in second place, four points behind Mali.

The first victim of the poor showing was mental trainer David Marcel, who has been sacked for “interfering in the technical choices during the tournament”, an official said.

©AFP