Afcon 2019: We are going to play every game like a final - Kechrida

Defender Wajdi Kechrida has stated Tunisia will approach every game at the 2019 Afcon like a final.

The Carthage Eagles have not progressed further than the quarter-finals since they won the tournament as hosts in 2004.

However, with renewed hope and vigour, coach Alan Giresse’s men are hoping they can get it right from their first game against Angola on Monday.

“We're going to play every game like a final," Kechrida, who plays his club football with Etoile du Sahel, told the media in Egpyt.

Despite the death of his brother just before the Tunisian team's departure for Egypt, Kechrida chose to fly with the Carthage Eagles.

"It's hot but all the players are used to it, most of the players are used to the conditions in which this kind of African competition takes place, such as heat, so it will not affect us," Kechrida added.

Ahead of Monday’s game, Tunisia and Angola's only previous encounter at the Afcon ended in a barren draw, which was in the 2008 group stages.

In head-to-head stats, Tunisia and Angola have met six times. The Carthage Eagles are unbeaten; registering three victories and the other three matches ended in draws.

After the game against Angola, the Carthage Eagles will take on their other Group E opponents, Mali and Mauritania.