Tunisia head coach Jalel Kadri has declared that his side has no choice but to collect the three points against South Africa on Wednesday evening.
The Carthage Eagles' future at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will be at stake when they go up against Bafana Bafana in an encounter that will determine whether they progress to the round of 16 or crash out of the competition.
The north African side are currently bottom of Group E and yet to record a victory at the continental showpiece, having picked up just one point in their two matches thus far.
With Namibia and South Africa both above them with three points each, Kadri has stressed the importance of victory against the 1996 AFCON champions.
"We know what awaits us, and once again the African Cup of Nations confirms that there is no logic in the results; rather, readiness on the field, focus, and desire to win are the elements that lead to achieving positive results," the manager said at a pre-match press conference, per Asharq Al Awsat.
"We must not rush, and play with balance.
"The performance in the first match was not what we hoped for, while we played better in the second match and scored one point, and we have no choice but to achieve three points against South Africa.
"We hope that (the team) will be ready at all levels, and to confirm its ability to advance in the tournament.
"Whenever the Tunisian national team finds itself under pressure, it succeeds in dealing well."
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Bafana coach Hugo Broos, meanwhile, has admitted that his side are also under pressure to obtain a result, but also insisted that his side will be ready for the battle.
"Our first goal was to achieve the second round and pass the group stages. Our opponent has a slight advantage since they have had a day more to prepare," Broos said, per CAF's official website.
"However, after Sunday's big victory, we have a boost of energy. The team will be ready.
"It will be a very heated game. They are under pressure but the same applies to us because if we lose, it will be a tricky situation."
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