Tunisia play their opening game in CAN 2008 on Tuesday when they take on Senegal in Group D as Angola clash with South Africa. The Carthage Eagles edged 1-0 past Senegal in the quarter-finals four years ago en route to their first African title ever. Despite the big difference between the winning squad in 2004 and the current one, Tunisia hope to recall their fine form against a Senegal side hoping for their first continental title. Tunisia "My group has gained in coherence and we are ready. If we can defeat Senegal, South Africa and Angola we will be able to achieve something in this event. "However, our opponents will think the same and what counts is what happens on the pitch." Coach Roger Lemerre. Team News: Birmingham City midfielder Mehdi Nafti is still doubtful as he is nursing a calf injury, Etoile Sahel's Mejdi Traoui could deputize. Etoile Sahel sensation Amine Chermiti is suspended for the first two games, but Yassine Chikhaoui is there to join Issam Jomaa and Dos Santos. Strength: Tunisia have a world class manager in Lemerre, the Frenchman knows all about big competitions as he led the Cartage Eagles to a deserved title in 2004, as well as guiding France to European triumph in 2000. Weakness: Lack of experience could be one disadvantage against Lemerre's men, as the majority of the team will make their CAN debuts. Probable Line-up: Kasraoui, Ben Frej, Bekri, Hagui, Jaidi, Mnari, Traoui, Zouagi- Dos Santos, Chikhaoui, Jomaa. Senegal "There is no bad side in this tournament which means anyone can win it, but I have a real desire to succeed, for me the African Nations Cup is as important as the World Cup." Captain El Hadji Diouf. Team News: West Ham forward Henri Camara is a major doubt for the game as he has flu, midfielder Pape Waigo N'diaye is also struggling with injury.
Flavio will spearhead Angola Strength: The Lions of Teranga possess a decent attack line, with the likes of Diouf, Mamadou Niang and Diomansy Kamara. Weakness: Senegal have a fairly poor record against Arab teams in the Nations Cup, as their last two campaigns were shattered by Egypt and Tunisia. Probable Line-up: Sylva- Beye, Sonko, A. Faye, Diawara- Diop, Mendy, Sall, Kamara, Diouf, Niang. South Africa vs. Angola Later on, 2010 World Cup hosts will take on 2006 World Cup finalists Angola in another crunch Group D clash. South Africa "I am happy with the sharpness of all the players. We are training well and things are looking good," said coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. "It is not only the first game though; every game for us in the tournament is a final. The players are aware of this...they know they will have to give 100% in every game." Team News: Bafana Bafana will be without first-choice keeper Rowen Fernandez, who has fractured fingers, Moeneeb Josephs will deputize. Skipper Aaron Mokoena is expected to be fit again after the Blackburn Rovers midfielder was stretched off injured during South Africa's 2-1 warm-up win over Botswana last week. Strength: Coach Parreira is a former World Cup winner, and the Brazilian's experience will be crucial to drive the young Boys. Weakness: The young South Africa squad include a handful of inexperienced players, only five members of the current roster were present in Egypt 2006. Probable Line-up: Josephs- Masilela, Moon, Mhlongo, Morris- Modise, Mokoena, Pienaar, Tshabalala- Moriri, Zuma. Angola Team News: Captain Figueiredo is expected to return from injury, while Al-Kuwait midfielder Andre Makanga should be fit. Strength: Angola have two lethal strike partners in
