
<h4>Khazri the difference for Tunisia in 1-0 win</h4>



<p>Tunisia’s monumental victory over France was a sprinkle of good in a big dish of bad. Although the Carthage Eagles notched their first win against France in 51 years, they were eliminated thanks to Denmark’s lackluster performance against Australia.</p>



<p>Of course, it was not like Tunisia played the starting eleven that terrorized the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> in 2018. They faced a very weakened side made up of substitutes, out-of-favor players, and young prodigies. </p>



<p>Club Africain center-back Nader Ghandri nearly curled a wicked volley past Rennes’ Steve Mandanda early in the match, but the linesman ruled it offsides.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tunisia finds the back of the net but the offside flag comes up <a href="https:\/\/t.co/o55cl1Xb7F">pic.twitter.com/o55cl1Xb7F</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1597971423993233408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>This French team was not an easy win though. Kingsley Coman and Wesley Fofana all had their chances, but they usually fell off target. Tunisia had better chances, with only Eduardo Camavinga’s brilliant defending and Mandanda’s clutch saves keeping France level.</p>



<p>Yet Tunisia had hope, and they turned that hope into reality. Ferencvaros’ Aissa Laidouni set a ball to Montpellier talisman Wahbi Khazri. Khazri embarked on an incredible dribble from the beyond the box, squeaking through the porous French back line and scoring from a tough finish inside the 18.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TUNISIA TAKES THE LEAD 🇹🇳🇹🇳🇹🇳<br><br>As it stands Tunisia is through to the knockout stage 🙌 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/qSwvafgY16">pic.twitter.com/qSwvafgY16</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1597988487784972288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Tunisia’s joy was shortlived. Although, at the time, Tunisia would get into the round of 16, Matthew Leckie’s dizzying finish ended that dream. Now Tunisia not only needed to hold off a motivated France squad, but had to pray for a Denmark goal.</p>



<p>Some of France’s stars started subbing in after Khazri’s goal. Kylian Mbappe subbed in for Coman while Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot replaced Marsielle midfielder Jordan Veretout.</p>



<p>Even Atleti’s Antoine Griezmann joined the fray later in the game to bolster France’s attack, replacing Fofana. Tunisia’s defense had to deal with countless shots from Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but they held strong. </p>



<p>That is, until the 99th minute. Aurelien Tchouameni crossed in the ball to the swarm of players, and Tunisia could not deal with it. Antoine Griezmann pounced on the chaos in the box, striking a big half-volley to equalize for France. Thankfully, VAR counted the goal offsides. Yet Australia’s result stood, and despite a big win over France, Tunisia could not go through.</p>



<h4>Goodbye, Tunisia</h4>



<p>Tunisia’s stint at the World Cup was the opposite of glamorous. In all of its three matches, it conceded just once but scored just once. Its sluggish attack consisted of Issam Jebali, who consistently underwhelmed Tunisia supporters. </p>



<p>Going into the World Cup, he started just once for Tunisia(a 0-0 draw where he left at halftime). It showed. Not only did he have a goalless stint at Qatar, but he had just 60 touches, 25 completed passes, and ten fouls. He won only two duels and lost 15, meaning that Tunisia could not get the ball into dangerous spots. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If midfield is a strongsuit though, I’m afraid Tunisia’s weakness is that they lack an out-and-out striker⁰Issam Jebali will lead the attack today, and he’s done well recently (see his performances at the Kirin Cup), but he hasn’t done it for long enough <a href="https:\/\/t.co/oL2DT8AamE">pic.twitter.com/oL2DT8AamE</a></p>— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/MezahiMaher/status/1595033428256501761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>It’s a good reason why Tunisia’s only goal at Qatar came from Khazri’s dribble through the back line. The dull point of Tunisia’s attack kept them from creating good opportunities.</p>



<p>Keeping national team regular Ben Romdhane and Tunisia legend Wahbi Khazri on the bench was one of Jalel Kadri’s biggest mistakes. Both showed a lethality against France that Tunisia sorely missed. They definitely could have used the two in their dull offensive performances against Denmark and Australia.</p>



<p>Despite leaving Qatar on a good note and besting the world’s reigning champions, Tunisia’s World Cup was objectively a failure. </p>



<p>Tunisia did not shake the stigma that Tunisia is an easy team to beat. Tunisia’s win over France was marred by the fact that France rested its starters. Denmark looked extremely shaky in the entire tournament, and their loss to Australia only enforces the narrative.</p>



<p>“I have a contract based on results and being eliminated from the group stage will be a failure for me,” <em>Get Football News France</em> <a href="https:\/\/www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2022/tunisia-world-cup-profile-coach-jalel-kadri-says-a-group-stage-exit-will-see-him-quit/">quoted</a> Kadri. His resigning is imminent as an uncertain Tunisia wonders where they can go from 2023 and beyond.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / PanoramiC</em></p>


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Despite a narrow 1-0 win for the Carthage Eagles, Australia's win over Denmark meant that Tunisia would have to leave Qatar.

Tunisia beats France 1-0 but can't advance - World Soccer Talk

Tunisia beats weakened France squad but can't advance

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<p>Tunisia was the slim favorite in their game with Australia, but neither played like it. Australia firmly seized the game in the first half, while all Tunisia could do was watch in terror. </p>



<p>Australia’s first major chance, in the 23rd minute, was a reflection of the <a href="https:\/\/www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/for-the-socceroos-it-was-do-or-die-and-they-did-it-20221126-p5c1iu.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aussies’ tenacity</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">AUSTRALIA BREAKS THROUGH 🇦🇺<br><br>Mitch Duke puts the Socceroos on top! <a href="https:\/\/t.co/UgDzjNY66l">pic.twitter.com/UgDzjNY66l</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1596450286020829184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Craig Goodwin swung a cross in from the wing, and even though it took a deflection, lead striker Mitchell Duke got his head on it and sent it past the keeper to start the scoring. </p>



<p>Jackson Irvine nearly doubled Australia’s lead, but his shot went wide.</p>



<p>After Australia finished pressuring the goalkeeper searching for a bigger lead, they fell back and let the Tunisians try to breach the final third. There were key blocks from the back line, and several big saves from Matthew Ryan, but the reason </p>



<p>Tunisia could not equalize was because of its own wastefulness.</p>



<p>Youssef Msakni had several shots that easily could have won Tunisia a point if they had landed on target or if he had placed them accurately. The Al-Arabi attacker had six total shots, only two of which fell on target.  The game ended in favor of the Aussies, who defended and relied on counter-attacks for much of the second half. </p>



<h5>What happened to Tunisia’s offense?</h5>



<p>Tunisia’s offense sputtered against <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/australia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Australia</a>. When Tunisia needed a goal the most, the attack could not equalize and get at least one point against the <em>Socceroos</em>. </p>



<p>Tunisia has not scored at the World Cup yet, and its scoring slump extends all the way back to a <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=652193">5-1 loss to Brazil.</a> The last time Tunisia scored more than one goal in a match was against Japan back in early June. </p>



<p>Part of it may fall down to unluckiness. Tunisia totaled 13 shots against Denmark and had 14 shots against Australia. They have a way of weaving passes around to deter defenders and create chances.</p>



<p>Yet in neither their game <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/tunisia-holds-denmark-to-a-goalless-game-20221122-WST-409427.html">against Denmark</a> nor Australia, their primary attackers could not finish off their chances. Lead striker Issam Jebali only had one shot on goal in 153 total World Cup minutes. </p>



<p>Although his attacking partners Youssef Msakni and Naim Sliti had spots of brilliance in the two matches, the attack is flat and depressing.</p>



<h5>Tactics need a reset ahead of France match</h5>



<p>New manager Jalel Kadri has a lot of connections to the Tunisian FA. </p>



<p>He had an uneventful stint as U20 head coach in 2008 and was a First Assistant Coach for Tunisia during the disastrous Nabil Maaloul period.</p>



<p>Kadri’s most recent stint with Tunisia included a six-month stint as Tunisia’s assistant coach in 2021, where they were good, but not elite. Kadri took over during AFCON when the head coach got COVID. His experience in the tournament was a mixed bag; he knocked off contender Nigeria in the round of 16 but lost to Burkina Faso right after. Regardless, the FA promoted him to the elusive head coach spot and tasked him with taking Tunisia to the World Cup.</p>



<p>He cut it close with a 1-0 win over Mali in the home-and-away third round, but they were in Qatar nonetheless. Now, with Tunisia only 90 minutes away from a potential early exit, Kadri’s long 14-year road to becoming the head coach seems in jeopardy already.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another impressive performance from a lower-ranked nation as Tunisia hold highly-regarded Denmark to a 0-0 draw.<br><br>Jalel Kadri set his team up excellently in a 3-4-2-1, defensively sound while posing a threat on the counter-attack. 🇹🇳👏<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/TUN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TUN</a> • <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/DENTUN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DENTUN</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/pI5kM6z21o">pic.twitter.com/pI5kM6z21o</a></p>— The Coaches&apos; Voice (@CoachesVoice) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/CoachesVoice/status/1595072338097278978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Some of Kadri’s tactics have failed in the <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022">World Cup.</a> Kadri switched from his usual 4-3-3 in favor of a three-at-the-back formation. Tunisia only had one match to try out Kadri’s new idea; an unofficial 2-0 win over Iran where they played a 3-5-2.</p>



<p>When Kadri took the field in a 3-4-3 against Denmark, his bold switch looked like it would work. Tunisia was defensively rigid, somewhat threatening on the attack, and they held a World Cup contender to a 0-0 draw.</p>



<p>Yet hindsight is 20/20. When Tunisia took the field a 3-4-2-1 in its second game, the Aussies countered with a 4-2-3-1, searching for a stranglehold on the game. They got early with Duke’s header, and their grip on the game loosened but never let up.</p>



<p>Against France, who played a 4-2-3-1 in its most recent match, Tunisia may want to return to its traditional 4-3-3. </p>



<p>The players know it best from their previous head coach, it’s easy to counter-attack with, and you can fit Jebali(or Khazri), Msakni, and Sliti in the front three. Tunisia needs a win against Denmark, meaning Kadri’s side needs aggression, possession, and a lot of shots.</p>



<h4>Possibilities and permutations for Tunisia</h4>



<p>Tunisia is certainly in a rough spot as Wednesday’s game with France looms. Tunisia needs an outright win against France and some favorable results from the Australia-Denmark game to potentially advance.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Sipa USA</em></p>



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Tunisia put in a lethargic performance to lose 1-0 to Australia and leave their World Cup hanging by a thread with France looming.

Lethargic Tunisia loses 1-0 to Australia - World Soccer Talk

Lethargic Tunisia loses 1-0 to Australia


<p>Andreas Cornelius lay on the ground in utter disbelief. The FC Copenhagen striker has a lot of experience with scoring; with his previous club, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2021/12/20/unfancied-trabzonspor-take-turkish-football-by-storm/?adlt=strict&amp;toWww=1&amp;redig=C559E99B75C1463885C81DE20A43BA87">Trabzonspor</a>, he scored 15 times in 37 appearances. </p>



<p>So, as a deflected ball floated right in front of him, with no goalkeeper to beat, and only a shocked Tunisia defender to his right, he confidently dove through the air, heading a ball from point-blank range into the goal.</p>



<p>Cornelius heard the unfortunate clink of the post, the heavy thump of a goal-line clearance, and eleven sighs of relief. He buried his head in the ground before getting back up and searching for another game-winner.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How did this not go in?! 🤯 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/zRllQtpLjL">pic.twitter.com/zRllQtpLjL</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1595062697615302659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Cornelius’ blunder could very well cost <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/in-form-denmark-aim-for-a-deep-run-at-world-cup-2022-20221117-WST-408351.html">Denmark</a> a spot in the late knockout rounds. Tunisia was supposed to be an easy team to beat, a quick three points that would help them compete with France on Saturday. But without Cornelius’ goal and a win, contending with France, Tunisia, and Australia will get even harder going into the second matchday.</p>



<h3>Tunisia shocks Denmark with a fiery performance at the World Cup</h3>



<p>For a fair bit of time, Tunisia looked like it would win the game instead of drawing it. Tunisia had a disallowed goal early in the game, and Kasper Schmeichel was called into action multiple times. Issam Jebali nearly chipped Schmeichel at the end of the first half, but the Leicester keeper’s outstretched hands kept his clean sheet intact. Tunisia was energetic, fired up by the surprising amount of traveling fans. Constant pressing forced the Danish backline out of balance, and Tunisia won the battle for possession.</p>



<p>Yet, momentum switched sides for the final half. Fatigue caught up with a Tunisian team that waited until the 67th minute to make a substitution. Denmark physically fought Tunisia off the ball, wearing down the midfield and weaving beautiful passes together. Aymen Dahmen had to make the save of his life when he faced a powerful Christian Eriksen shot, and Andreas Skov Olsen had his goal ruled out due to a close offsides call.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a SAVE by Aymen Dahmen for Tunisia ✋😤 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/NRqGGk9JUd">pic.twitter.com/NRqGGk9JUd</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1595062299512868864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Denmark fought until the last second. The <em>Danish Dynamite</em> pressured Yassine Meriah into an accidental handball. The referee nearly gave a penalty to the Danes, but upon a VAR check, he ruled that the handball was accidental. Tunisia held on until the last second, meaning it gets a big advantage going into Saturday’s clash with Australia. Tunisia’s sterling defensive performance(their first clean sheet at the World Cup since a 1978 draw with West Germany) helped them to a point and a better standing at the World Cup.</p>



<h5>Khazri left on the bench</h5>



<p>One of the biggest surprises at the Education City Stadium was not the tens of thousands of Tunisia fans in attendance. Nor was it the fact that the Eagles of Carthage held a top-10 country to a 0-0 scoreline. It was the fact that Montpellier striker <a href="https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/wahbi-khazri-tunisia-qatar-2022-b2217311.html">Wahbi Khazri didn’t lead Tunisia into battle</a>.</p>



<p>Khazri is Tunisia’s <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/tunesien/toptorschuetzen/verein/3670" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-most prolific Tunisian goal-scorer</a> in history. Furthermore, he is the most prolific out of all active Tunisian players. However, Khazri hit somewhat of a rough patch going into the World Cup. Khazri failed to score for Tunisia since January. His last club goal came back in August.</p>



<p>Khazri is a very dangerous player. He’s a smooth dribbler and silky playmaker, and a consistent finisher. He can score from long range as he did for Saint-Etienne against Metz. Even at 31 years old, he’s still pretty consistent. He’s the guy you ask for when you want a goal. </p>



<p>It’s why many Tunisian fans were baffled when manager Jalel Kadri started Odense striker Issam Jebali and Hannibal Mejbri over Khazri. Jebali ended up missing a big chance when his chip met Schmeichel’s fingertips, and Hannibal only had four touches in 15 minutes.</p>



<p>In general, Tunisia’s attack was sluggish. Simon Kjær, Andreas Christensen, and Joachim Andersen thoroughly shut down the three attackers. Despite being 6’1 and 185 pounds, Jebali lost 10 duels to the three defenders. The <em>Eagles of Carthage</em> couldn’t get anything to their attackers through the air, forcing them to battle through a sea of red.</p>



<p>Tunisia will need Khazri’s finishing and strength as they set up a do-or-die matchup with Australia.</p>



<h5>Tunisia’s midfield is its key to success</h5>



<p>Tunisia doesn’t have bona fide stars. Of course, it has the criminally underrated Wahbi Khazri. However, there is not a true superstar that plays for Tunisia. No Riyad Mahrez for Algeria, nor Achraf Hakimi for Morocco. So, it is only natural that Tunisia’s best quality isn’t one player. Rather, it could be four.</p>



<p>The solid midfield of Caen’s Ali Abdi, Ferencvaros’s Aissa Laidouni, Koln’s Ellyes Skhiri, and Luzern’s Mohamed Drager was unstoppable during the first half, and it was why Tunisia didn’t give up a goal in the second half. </p>



<p>They provided defensive stability. The four combined for 10 of Tunisia’s 15 tackles and had the majority of clearances during the match. They were also responsible for winning possession and creating momentum. When Tunisia’s defenders cleared away a dangerous ball, the four-man midfield posed a considerable threat on the counterattack. They should be even more dangerous when they face Australia.</p>



<h5>Australia awaits</h5>



<p><em>FiveThirtyEight</em> rates Tunisia’s <a href="https:\/\/projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-world-cup-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chances of making the round</a> of 16 at 33%, just above Australia’s at 31%. Tunisia getting a point off of Denmark will be huge, especially as they can rise to four points after their second matchday.</p>



<p>Tunisia will surely be the favorite to beat the Aussies on Saturday. Excluding Australia’s thrilling win over Peru, Australia hasn’t played anyone outside of Asia since the 2018 World Cup. Australia suffered losses to Japan and Saudi Arabia in 2022, but outside of those two fixtures, they enter Qatar undefeated. Tunisia can use its relentlessness and unpredictability to spring a surprise on the <em>Socceroos</em>, but neither Tunisia nor Australia can jump to conclusions in what promises to be a hard-fought matchup.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Xinhua</em></p>



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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
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Tunisia shut down Denmark to earn a point at the World Cup. Despite the great result, there are things to work on as Australia looms.

Tunisia holds Denmark to first scoreless game at World Cup 2022

<div id="attachment_370014" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-370014" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Stringer/picture alliance via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League is especially prominent over recent years. Egyptian side Al Ahly’s back-to-back titles is just the beginning.</p>
<p>From Cameroonian club dominance to Al Ahly’s impressive successes, the CAF Champions League produces remarkable moments. Africa’s premier club soccer tournament developed numerous soccer stars like Vincent Enyeama and Hossam Hassan. It gives clubs from all over Africa a chance to show their skills.</p>
<p>Yet, North African clubs own a monopoly over the CAF Champions League in recent years. Since 2016, elite North African clubs triumphed in the premier club tournament on the continent. This season, Al Ahly enters as the two-time holders of the competition.</p>
<p>The stranglehold by the region is not simply quality or commitment discrepancies. As seen, AFCON, as well as <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/31/the-joy-of-watching-non-league-soccer-and-cup-upsets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other club competitions</a>, can <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/16999874" target="_blank" rel="noopener">produce underdogs</a> that bring trophies home.</p>
<p>The differences lie elsewhere in regards to North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<h3>Explaining North Africa’s dominance in the competition</h3>
<p>For reference, we designate Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Libya as North Africa. These are the nations that span the Mediterranean Sea and fall under the Union of North African Football, or UNAF.</p>
<p>North African club soccer certainly trumps other African clubs. In the competition’s near-60-year history, North African clubs won 33 titles, more than all other nation’s clubs combined. Trophies are one thing. The debate stems from <em>how</em> the North African sides dominate.</p>
<p>The simple answer would be to say skill or quality. Looking at the African Cup of Nations, UNAF nations do hold a lead in terms of number of champions. Egypt (7), Algeria (2), Morocco (1) and Tunisia (1) account for 11 titles. UNAF has more than any other region of Africa.</p>
<p>This is impressive, yes, but it is only a narrow lead over West Africa’s 10 titles and Central Africa’s eight. Meanwhile, the club scene runs through North Africa, and that much is undisputed.</p>
<h5>North African clubs standing out</h5>
<p>Journalist Maher Mezahi writes this dominance on the club scene exists because of the funding of North African sides.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The simple truth is that many North African clubs possess sizeable budgets, allowing for the construction of infrastructure and better player acquisition,”</em> he wrote in a <a href="https:\/\/mg.co.za/article/2019-04-30-the-secret-of-north-africas-football-dominance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 article</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p>North Africa has more private investors investing in clubs so teams can spend more. Club infrastructure via training grounds and stadiums draws in players. Of course, these facilities are wildly expensive for the most lavish of options. Many African clubs do not have the funding to support something of this nature.</p>
<p>Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane told KICKOFF <a href="https:\/\/www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/caf-champions-league/mamelodi-sundowns-coach-pitso-mosimane-e/593965" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his thoughts</a> on North African clubs’ dominance.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The big thing about North Africans is all about the intimidation. It is about how the officials handle the stress and the pressure,”</em> Mosimane said.</p></blockquote>
<p>Fan bases in North Africa are very energetic and sometimes hard to handle.</p>
<p>North Africa’s dominance comes from a mix of both money and intimidation. On one hand, money and marketing impact how rosters are made up. Therefore, better talent, players, coaches and facilities can be intimidating to those on the outside.</p>
<p>Yet there are countless other reasons too. They range from the popularity of soccer to the corruption that plagues football associations.</p>
<h3><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-370572 size-full" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220210_WST_365991_CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=900" alt="CAF Champions League trophy" width="1200" height="900" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></h3>
<h3>Hope for the underdogs and outliers</h3>
<p>There is hope for Africa’s sub-Saharan sides.</p>
<p>This era draws comparisons to when the Congo dominated in the 1960s and Cameroon’s success in the 1980s. The current period exemplifies North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<p>Other clubs need to adapt now more than ever. Although North Africa’s dominance looks near insurmountable, there are examples of how to <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/caf-champions-league/story/4001768/how-mamelodi-sundowns-became-the-caf-champions-leagues-trickiest-customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take down some of Africa’s mightiest fighters</a>.</p>
<h5>Breaking down the groups</h5>
<p>Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of North African clubs. The CAF Champions League includes defending champions Al Ahly, famed club Raja Casablanca, and more. However, no one expected how dominant North Africa would be in qualifying. Half of the teams in the group stage, eight out of 16, are North African.</p>
<p>Clubs from North Africa do not just reign in quantity but also quality. North African teams form the top-five sides for seeding. Essentially, UNAF clubs held the highest places in CAF’s five-Year Ranking. The best four associations, according to the CAF five-year ranking, are from North Africa. This, yet again, reaffirms North Africa’s dominance.</p>
<p>North Africa’s power is unparalleled, but some teams could lift the trophy in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Preview</h5>
<p>Al Ahly is the favorite to take home the CAF Champions League trophy. Coming off two consecutive Champions League victories, Al Ahly is also a domestic powerhouse. Fellow Egyptian side Zamalek, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Tunisian titleholders Esperance Tunis could also take the title.</p>
<p>Yet numerous sleeper candidates pose problems to the perennial contenders. Sides like AmaZulu from South Africa or Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel will be problematic for the pre-established elite. Horoya AC will also cause trouble in a field full of fascinating sides.</p>
<p>On beIN Sports, many players will show their skills and attract the attention of clubs from other continents. Malian international <a href="https:\/\/breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/aliou-dieng-malis-midfield-metronome/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aliou Dieng</a> will be among those players. Dieng, who earned 20 caps for his native Mali, is one of the continent’s best players at club and international level. The defensive midfielder is akin to a brick wall.</p>
<p>Another player to look out for is Namibia’s Peter Shalulile. Shalulile leads Mamelodi Sundowns’ front line in this CAF campaign. Shalulile terrorized the South African Premier League all season and will look to repeat his feats in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Getting things started</h5>
<p>beIN SPORTS holds the rights to broadcast the CAF Champions League in the United States. The tournament kicks off on Friday, Feb. 11, with games running into the weekend.</p>
<p>beIN SPORTS puts these games on its extra channels, such as beIN SPORTS Connect 2 or beIN SPORTS Connect 3. Therefore, beIN SPORTS Connect is a viable option to watch these games, as is something like <a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">fuboTV</a>.</p>
<p>Here are some of the notable games in the first matchday to get North Africa’s dominance started in the 2022 edition of the CAF Champions League. All times are U.S. Eastern Time.</p>
<p><strong>Friday, Feb. 11</strong></p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) vs. CR Bélouizdad (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 a.m. — Wydad AC (Morocco) vs. GD Sagrada Esparanca (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Saturday, Feb. 12</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) vs. Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Horoya AC (Guinea) vs. ES Sétif (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Zamalek (Egypt) vs. Petro Atlético (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Sunday Feb. 13</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Coton Sport FC (Cameroon) vs. Al Masry (Egypt) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Pyramids (Egypt) vs. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs. JS Saoura (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) vs. Zanaco (Zambia) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — RS Berkane (Morocco) vs. USGN (Niger) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>


The CAF Champions League is a dramatic tournament among the continent's best clubs, but North Africa's dominance persists entering 2022.

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