“We have two matches remaining and our reaction must be positive. God willing, we can get out of this situation we have put ourselves in,” he told a news conference on Friday.

The Eagles of Carthage suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by Namibia in their opening Group E match and need to beat Mali, who top the table after a 2-0 win over South Africa, to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Kadri, who is under pressure to deliver results after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, said he was confident his players can turn things around.

He cited the example of Argentina, who lost their first match at the 2022 World Cup to Saudi Arabia but went on to win the trophy.

“Argentina lost its first World Cup match against Saudi Arabia but ultimately won the title. We have to believe in ourselves and our abilities,” he said.

Tunisia will be without striker Taha Yassine Khenissi, who injured his knee in the first half against Namibia and will miss the rest of the tournament.

Kadri said he had several options to replace him, including Wahbi Khazri, Naim Sliti, and Seifeddine Jaziri.

He praised Mali, who have a talented squad featuring players from top European clubs, as a strong and balanced team.

“They have good players who play for good teams but we are not afraid of them. We respect them but we have to play with confidence and determination and try to win the three points,” he said.

He also dismissed reports of a rift with his assistant Selim Benachour, saying they were “baseless rumours” and that the coaching staff was working in harmony.

Tunisia, who won the continental title in 2004, are third in Group E behind Namibia and Mali on goal difference.

They will play their final group match against South Africa on Wednesday.

Check the AFCON matches and standings

Check the AFCON stats

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Follow us on:

Facebook

Instagram

Whatsapp