Tunisia defender Ali Abdi said his team raised their performance levels in the final quarter of the match against Nigeria, even though they were unable to complete their comeback in the 3-2 loss, SportPremi reports.
The Carthage Eagles sprung a late comeback in their clash against Nigeria last weekend, but ultimately fell short with the game ending 3-2.
A poor display in the early stages of the clash saw them fell to a three-goal deficit, as the Super Eagles took control of the clash.
However, Talbi’s header in the 74th minute gave them hope of a comeback, while Abdi netted a penalty kick in the final five minutes of the clash.
Tunisia have three points from their two matches so far and must better Uganda’s result against Nigeria to qualify for the next round in Morocco.
Ali Abdi calls for improvement ahead of crucial Tanzania fixture
Ali Abdi netted Tunisia’s second goal of the defeat to Nigeria from the penalty spot after a controversial handball decision against Bright Osayi-Samuel.
However, the defender in an interview revealed what inspired the Carthage Eagles’ late charge in the game.
“In the last 15 minutes, we said we had to give it our all. We were losing 3–0 and couldn’t take any more. We hadn’t got into the game properly, so we had to show the 25,000 people who came today that we had some pride. After Nigeria’s third goal, we gave everything”, Abdi revealed.
“They scored at very difficult moments — at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half. But we didn’t give up, we stayed strong, we stayed together until the end.
We had a chance to make it 3–3. It’s a shame it didn’t go in. But we have to take the positives and work on the negatives. That’s football at the highest level”, the OGC Nice defender added.
The 32-year-old also praised the quality of the Super Eagles, which was very evident for most part of the clash.
“Nigeria is a great nation, so it’s normal that they are favourites. But we didn’t start the match well, and they gained a lot of confidence.
“That doesn’t take anything away from Nigeria’s achievement today. We will have our say in this AFCON, inshallah”, he concluded.
Tunisia will now head into their clash against Uganda later tomorrow, hoping to secure a favourable outcome as they chase qualification for the knockout stages.
The Carthage Eagles must avoid defeat against the Taifa Stars to book their place in the round of 16 of the competition.
