Report - African Cup of Nations -

Article published the Wednesday 01 February 2012 - Latest update : Wednesday 01 February 2012

CAN Group C: Tunisia reshuffle fails to save against Gabon

Tunisia's Khaled Korbi celebrates after scoring during the CAN 2012, Group C, football match between Tunisia and Morocco

AFP/Issouf Sanogo

By Paul Myers

Tunisia's changes dod nothing to help it against Gabon, who go to Libreville for the quarter-final. But why was the stadium half full with the national team playing?

Making a score of changes to the final group game might keep the bench boys happy but it does nothing for cohesion. Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi reorganised the side for the game against Gabon . Tunisia lost it 1-0 to finish as runners-up.
Daniel Cousin is a Gabonese national treasure. The self-styled big brother of the team says he accepts being on the bench and then giving his all once he gets the nod to go on. Otherwise, what example is that to set to the kids?
The Confederation of African Football as well as Franceville’s authorities couldn’t organise an orgy in a brothel. Franceville was abuzz in preparation for the Gabon v

Dossier: Africa Cup of Nations 2012
Tunisia match. Tickets were like gold dust for the 20,000-seater stadium. Everybody wanted one but none could be found. Come the start of the game, the ground was less than half full. It was hardly packed by the end.
Gabon are benefitting from the home support. They’ll be in Libreville for the quarter final on Sunday. Coach Gernot Rohr says the atmosphere at the 45,000-capacity arena is like a 12^th man.
Dodgy refereeing can really spoil a tournament. No diabolical decisions thus far and the talking points are all about football and surprise results.