Kuffour warns Stars: beware of Tunisia’s **Youssef Msakni

Ex- Ghana defender Sammy Kuffour is warning the Black Stars not to lose concentration for even a second when they take on North African giants Tunisia in Sunday’s quarter final clash at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kuffour who starred for the Black Stars when Ghana last beat Tunisia at the continental showpiece, 2-0 in Burkina Faso ’98, insists the Carthage Eagles will pose lots of problems but is singling out Esperance du Tunis forward Youssef Msakni as the main threat.

Msakni came off the bench to score in Tunisia’s opening day win over Morocco to earn a starting berth in the next game against Niger. He paid back his coach’s confidence in full with the opening goal as Tunisia won to make the last 8 and though he could not score against co-hosts Gabon in the third group game, Kuffour warns Ghana to keep an eye on the 21 year old.

“He’s a hugely talented player and we need to keep an eye on him at all times. Maybe the coach will do well by putting someone on him like we did Seydou Keita when we played against Mali,” Kuffour advised on DSTV’s Supersport where he is one of the experts analyzing the Africa Cup of Nations.

The former national team deputy captain is also cautioning his countrymen to be wary of the psychological tactics of the Tunisians.

Kuffour warned: “Playing against them is always crucial. They are the team that will fold down if they are leading, even if it’s left with more than 30 minutes. They will dramatise, fall down at the least contact and frustrate you wasting time.”