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Tunisia profile

Image: Tunisia: Looking to deliver

Tunisia will be out to finally live up to the tag of being considered one of Africa's great powers.

Carthage Eagles hope to make amends for World Cup failure

Tunisia, although perceived as a powerhouse on the African continent, often fail to live up to expectations. Faouzi Benzarti's men were unlucky to miss out on the World Cup, a competition they have graced four times and enjoyed a recent presence in. Tunisia will therefore look to make their mark on the African Nations Cup. The Carthage Eagles won the 2004 African Nations Cup as hosts but since then have never failed to reach the knockout stages. Tunisia had to settle for silver in 1996 after being ousted by hosts South Africa in the final. Their other podium finish came in 1962 - a remarkable feat considering it marked their debut in the competition. As Group B runners-up, the Carthage Eagles qualified for the trip to Angola, but missed out on a place at the World Cup after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Mozambique, which let Nigeria top the four-team group.

One to watch: Issam Jemâa

Issam Jemâa has netted an impressive 14 goals in 38 games for the national team, which included a memorable strike against France during a friendly defeat in November 2008. The 25-year-old dismantled the Seychelles defence by hitting four unanswered goals past them during the 2008 African Nations Cup qualifying campaign. He has also banged in four goals during the 2010 qualifiers and will be the one to watch for the Carthage Eagles in Angola.
Coach: Faouzi Benzarti
Benzarti is a former Tunisia football player and has been in management since 1979 and is in his second spell in charge of the Carthage Eagles following an unsuccessful stint in 1994. Benzarti has also been at the helm of Tunisian giants Étoile du Sahel and coached Libya before being reinstated as Tunisia boss.

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