Tunisia head coach Jalel Kadri is expecting a positive reaction as his squad look to keep alive their Africa Cup of Nations hopes against Mali.

The Eagles of Carthage slumped to a shock defeat by Namibia in their opening Group E match and now face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.

Kadri, whose position is reported to be under threat should they fail to qualify, feels the squad can pull together to produce the required performance in Korhogo on Saturday.

“There are two matches remaining – and our reaction must be positive,” he told reporters.

“Then, God willing, we can get out of this situation we have put ourselves in.

“Argentina lost its first World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, but ultimately won the title.”

Tunisia will be without forward Taha Yassine Khenissi, who is set to miss the remainder of the tournament with a knee injury picked up during the first half against Namibia.

Mali kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa to sit top of the table.

Coach Eric Chelle, though, is not getting carried away as Mali aim to make the knockout stages for the first time.

“I would not say we are favourites to win the group just yet. Yes, we got the victory but a lot can still happen,” Chelle said at a press conference.

“We still have matches to play and so we have to keep working hard.”