Intro:

Tunisia will start their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a double header against Botswana and Egypt on September 5th and 10th respectively.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (French) Georges Leekens, Tunisian National Team head coach:

"We will do everything to be well prepared. We have made the decision regarding the selection, there are the players without us who personally in my opinion could be with us. There are players in a good state, there are players who have a lot of work to do, perhaps mentally, because physically there is not a lot you can do in the framework of five days. I don't think it is a question of being physically ready - I think all the players are quite professional. Now we must regain our confidence, and I have asked my players to give their all to the end. They are two different matches - Botswana and Egypt - Botswana are more physical and Egypt more technical. Over there it is not always easy, but the first match it will not be clear."

SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ferjani Sassi, Tunisian Midfielder:

"We are pressing on with our preparations. We know that the match against Botswana will be a difficult one. African teams are all well-developed now and there no longer easy sides. All teams are hoping to qualify. We will focus first in the coming match against Botswana, hoping to have a positive result, i.e., winning and then turn our heads to Egypt's match."

SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ferjani Sassi, Tunisian Midfielder:

"We should all be mentally well prepared and should approach the matches with determination as we are not afraid of any opponents. The only thing to be worried about is if we are not well prepared for a match."