Latest news with #KamelSaada
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia – Botswana, Giving Their All to Survive
Sunday evening (8:00 pm local time) at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, Tunisia and Botswana will be playing for their fate in the final Group B match of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). A tense encounter between two teams that have yet to score a single goal in this tournament. But both refuse to leave the stage without a fight. Tunisia: "No other solution but to win" Beaten by Nigeria (3-0), held to a goalless draw by Algeria, Tunisia no longer have a choice: only a victory can keep them alive in this continental competition. And, according to coach Kamel Saada, the objective is clear. "We have no other solution than to win. The team is focused. We are 100% ready." Aware of the regrets that accompanied the draw against Algeria – notably an encouraging first half and missed opportunities – the Tunisian national team refocused on the essentials: efficiency. "We worked on our finishing, our realism. We can't afford to miss again," insists Saada, who knows that Botswana offers a very different profile from previous opponents: "It's not Nigeria, it's not Algeria. Botswana is a different physical and tactical profile." In this context, Tunisia also relies on the experience of their key players. Cherine Lamti, a solid midfielder and technical leader, emphatically repeats: "We must win. We know that. We will give everything for the country. And above all, stay together." This is a way to affirm the unity of a squad often in reconstruction, but which retains their continental ambitions intact. Botswana: The Energy of Hope For Botswana, the equation is more complex. Beaten by Algeria and Nigeria 1-0 in both matches, the Mares have still not found the back of the net. Yet, coach Alex Malete's words show no sign of giving up. "We still have an opportunity. It's not in our hands, but it exists. It's up to us to play our cards to the fullest." And if resilience has become a key word for this squad, it is because their performances have hinted at a potential that is still maturing. "What we showed against Nigeria for 88 minutes and against Algeria in the second half was our true colours. Now we have to repeat that and add some attacking precision." To achieve this, Botswana are banking on team spirit and a strengthened mentality. "We had a choice: feel sorry for ourselves or do something for tomorrow. We chose to believe in it," Malete emphasized. The coach, a master in the art of building a positive environment, insists: "With us, personality trumps talent. It's the mentality that makes the difference." Two teams with their backs against the wall Mathematically, the calculation is simple: a three-point Tunisian victory would propel the Carthage Eagles Women to four points and likely into the quarterfinals, depending on other results. On the Botswana side, the scenarios are more complicated. But on the eve of the match, no one dares to look too closely at the standings. Starting with Botswana player Esalenna Galekhutle: "We don't know what tomorrow holds, but what we can promise is that we'll give it our all. We'll fight for every ball." A tense, yet controlled match This final Group B match promises to be tense, but tactically very tight. Both teams know that the first goal will swing the match. Tunisia, often comfortable in quick transitions, will have to be wary of a compact, disciplined Botswana team with an excellent goalkeeper, as Kamel Saada acknowledged: "Their goalkeeper [Maitumelo Boseja] stopped everything against Niger. She's one of their assets." The only remaining factor is the ability to translate intentions into action. "We have to score. That's the only way out," Saada repeats like a mantra. On the other hand, Malete calls for a fast-paced, forward-thinking game, but without naivety: "It will be highly tactical. Match management will be decisive." Beyond the result, this match also reveals something about the trajectories of both nations. Tunisia, who have gradually established themselves on the continental Women's Football scene, dream of a second consecutive qualification for the knockout stage. Botswana, a surprise quarterfinalist at the last edition in 2022 in their debut appearance, want to prove that their emergence was no fluke. They deserve to be at this stage.
BBC News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wafcon 2024: Nigeria vs Tunisia match preview
Nigeria Super Falcons go start dia Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Sunday. Dem go face Tunisia for dia opening Group B match wey go shele for di Larbi Zaouli stadium, Casablanca. Dis na di second time wey dem dey meet for di Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Di only time dem bin meet before na for Wafcon 2008 wen dem play goalless draw, for Bata, Equatorial Guinea. Nigeria Coach, Justin Madugu say "We dey prepare veri well and di girls dey respond positively ...we dey good to go!." Coach Madugu add say dem need to show respect to evri team wey qualify for dis finals. "We no dey take anybody forgranted sake of assumption say we don win all our previous games against nort African teams becos e go dey easy, no game dey easy" im conclude. Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade say "evritin dey go well, di backroom staff dey make sure say dem do evritin to make di team respond positively, we dey do evritin to make sure say we perform well for all our games". Head coach of Tunisia Kamel Saada say "Nigeria get good players and Tunisia get good team even though dem no dey experienced. but we fit start well against Nigeria. Nigeria na favourite but as far say we [Tunisia] qualify we fit get sometin out. Match Facts Nigeria According to Caf data, Nigeria don play 61 matches for Wafcon finals, dem win 45—more dan any oda team. Dia record include 9 draws and 7 defeats. Nigeria na di highest scorer for di tournament history wit176 goals for 61 matches, wit di average of 2.89 goals per game and dem concede only 28. Dia record for Wafcon opening matches na eight wins , two draws and two losses for di 12 games wey dem bin don play. Dia biggest opening-game win na 8-0 victory against host Morocco for 1998. Nigeria have bin score 40 goals across dia 12 tournament openers and concede 8— and six na for dia last five opening games. Na only one time don don fail to score for dia opening match, and na1-0 dem lose to South Africa for 2018. Nigeria neva lose any of dia opening games across dia first 10 appearances (W8 D2), but dem bin lose dia opening match for di last two tournaments—1-0 and 2-1 defeat to South Africa for 2018 and 2022. Before dem lose dem bin win four straight openers (2010–2016). Tunisia For Tunisia dia record for opening matches na one win and one loss out of two games. Dem bin lose 2-1 to South Africa for dia 2008 opener. Dia only Wafcon win na for dia 2022 opening match wey dem beat Togo 4-1. Dem no score for dia last four finals matches and na 372 minutes e be in total witout a goal. Tunisia bin keep two clean sheets for eight final games—both against West African opponents (Nigeria for 2008, Senegal for 2022). Dia only group-stage draw na di 0-0 result against Nigeria for 2008. Live match commentary go start by 4pm Nigerian time
CAF
27-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kamel Saada (Tunisia): The Bridge Between Generations
Kamel Saada is leading Tunisia to the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 with a clear ambition: to transmit, structure, and build for the future. With a new generation of talent and a philosophy rooted in balancing youth and experience, the Tunisian coach aims to embed women's football into the long term Just days before the kick off in Morocco, Saada outlines his global project to combining detailed preparation, human values, and intergenerational transmission. At the heart of Tunisia's preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled in Morocco from 5 - 26 July 2025, one man is patiently orchestrating the balance, adjusting the lines, and establishing a vision: Kamel Saada. Appointed head coach in July 2024, he represents a deeper transition than a mere change on the bench. This coach, trained in youth development—with previous roles as head of the U17s, assistant with the U20s, and rich experience at the national training centre—is now the custodian of an ambitious generational project. In the world of women's football, which he calls 'an exceptional world,' Saada doesn't just coach: he transmits, elevates, and builds. Beyond the immediate goal of the competition, his eyes are fixed on the future. He speaks of three- to four-year cycles, methodological alignment from U15 to senior levels, and a coherent style of play across all levels—like a shared score that each generation will learn to interpret. This commitment to structural continuity is rare and valuable. But this vision cannot exist without the human element. Transmission is at the heart of his daily work. Passing on the knowledge of experienced players like Mariem Houij and Chaima Abbassi to the many young talents integrated into the squad. Sharing the experience of the 2022 quarterfinal run—through videos, stories, advice, and the emotions of narrowly missing out in the final minutes. In a tough group featuring Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana, Kamel Saada knows Tunisia will need rigor and unity. But he also knows that success goes beyond results. In this interview with he shares a comprehensive project: a strong Tunisian women's football program rooted in training, nurtured by generations, and driven by values of hard work, listening, and trust. Why did you accept the role of head coach of the women's national team last July? Kamel Saada: Because I noticed how quickly women's football was progressing. For me, it was a new challenge. I studied the squad, understood the goals of our federation, and that motivated me. My ambition was clear: to shape a new generation, modernize our style of play, and lower the team's average age. We've gone from 28 to 22 years. This is a three- to four-year project with well-defined goals: combine local talent with expatriates, establish solid principles, and develop a competitive team for the long term. You've worked with youth categories before. What stood out to you when you started with the women's seniors? During my very first training session, I shared my vision and game principles. And one player seriously asked, 'Coach, are you speaking Chinese?' She didn't understand what I meant. (smiles) That made me reassess my method and simplify my approach. Gradually, the players understood what I was asking for, and I saw how quickly they could progress. After just a few days of camp, we played Tanzania and lost 5–0. But then, against Botswana, we saw clear improvement. I realized the girls have an impressive margin for growth—sometimes greater than the boys—if properly supported. Where do you currently stand in preparation for the TotalEnergies Women's AFCON? We've set up a two-month preparation plan. Right now, we're at a training camp in Ain Draham, at altitude. We're working well, with video sessions and tactics tailored to each opponent. We know our group is tough: Nigeria, Algeria, Botswana. Three strong teams we respect a lot. We're preparing match by match with attention to physical, tactical, and mental aspects. All players are present. The mindset is good. We hope to be ready to play a strong tournament. What are your impressions of Group B? It's a tough group. Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria. Algeria is improving fast. Botswana too. We're not underestimating anyone. We'll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football. The team that plays smart, cohesive football can pull off surprises. We're preparing for that seriously. What role do veterans like Chaima Abbassi and Mariem Houij play in this younger squad? Our philosophy is based on balancing experience and youth. We've kept 7 to 8 key players: Houij, Abbassi, Rouni. They are key references for the group. At the same time, we've integrated 13 new players from the U20s, U21s, even some from U17s, including expatriates. The chemistry is working well, even off the pitch. In the rooms, at meals, in conversations—there's real mentorship. The idea is that the veterans guide the new ones during this generational transition. Some veterans experienced the exciting 2022 campaign. What do they share today? A lot. We've watched highlights from that 2022 tournament together—the 1–0 quarterfinal loss, missed chances… They share their stories, offer motivation, and emphasize the details that make the difference: focus, commitment from the first match, the importance of the final minutes. These memories inspire the younger players and help them understand what top-level football means. There's strong cohesion in the group. We're a family—staff, players, everyone. And that solidarity is our strength. If you had to convince a coach to manage a women's team, what would you say? I'd tell him it's a whole different world. Exceptional. When you work well with the girls, you see results right away. They're disciplined, attentive, and ready to push their limits. I've coached men's teams, been a technical director, but what I'm experiencing now is unique. You need to understand their sensitivity and mindset. But once trust is built, they give everything. I encourage all coaches to take on this experience. What are your goals for this TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON? And beyond? In the short term, our goal is clear: to get past the first round. Then, go as far as possible. But at the same time, we're working on a long-term vision. With the Federation, we've launched a coherent training program, with the same game principles from U15s to the senior team. Some 2008-born players are already with me in the senior squad. The goal is to build a great Tunisian team in three or four years and compete with ambition in future AFCONs—and also in Arab and, why not, global competitions. Inch'Allah.
