Jemaa: Tunisia must win their first Afcon game

15 Jan 2013 11:00:00 PM

The 28-year-old will participate in his fifth tournament and has stressed the need to get off to a good start in a competitive group

Tunisia striker Issam Jemaa says his side "must win" their opening Africa Cup of Nations clash against Algeria if they are to progress from the group stage of the competition.

The Eagles of Carthage have been drawn alongside Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and the Greens in Group D and the 28-year-old is well aware of the task ahead in a competitive group.

"If we want to get off to a good start we have to win the first game," he told FIFA.com.

“Victory against Algeria will give us a big confidence boost. All the matches in this group will be equally difficult and the odds are pretty much even."

Much of Tunisia's goalscoring burden will fall on the shoulders of Jemaa, as his nation's all-time top goalscorer, and he admits he is hoping to put on a special display for his country.

"I first took part in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and I have some amazing memories of the competition, even though I was on the fringes of the side back then," he continued.

"The competition has its own special flavour, and I hope I can put on a great performance in South Africa.”

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