Durosimi Thomas writes about how Tunisia is preparing for the Nations Cup finals

The Rades Stadium is ready for action

After taking a look around Tunis, there are few physical signs that Tunisia will host next January's Nations Cup.

But the locals seem to have a plausible explanation for the inexistence of fanfare.

They are insistent that local excitement will reach fever pitch as the date for the opening match draws closer.

The Nations Cup logo and mascot - visible symbols that will keep the finals in people's mind - will be unveiled in early September.

Twice Nations Cup hosts in 1965 and 1994, Africa's most prestigious sporting event would be of interest to the younger generation of Tunisian football fans, keen to see the continent's best players in action.

Passionate

As the number one sport in the country, it is no surprise that Tunisians are knowledgeable about football.

Interest in lifting the Nations Cup has not diminished, as it is the one continental title that has eluded the North Africans.

Interest in lifting the Nations Cup has not diminished

Few have forgotten the country's disastrous campaign at the 1994 finals, when the Carthage Eagles lost their opening match to Mali and failed to qualify for the second round.

Most Tunisians believe that the national team, under the tutelage of experienced French coach Roger Lemerre, have a fighting chance of winning the trophy.

But some are sceptical of their chances against defending champions Cameroon and high-flying Senegal.

Nine years after hosting the Nations Cup final, there has been little alteration to the face of Tunis - a bustling city by day and sleeps late at night.

The country has kept pace with the latest telecommunications technology and should provide first-rate facilities for international journalists covering the Nations Cup.

Easy access

With trams, buses and yellow taxis readily available for commuters, travel in Tunis is relatively easy.

But the noticeable feature of the city's skyline are the satellite dishes that cluster most rooftops.

Many households watch action from the major European leagues, which gives them a chance to follow the fortunes of their players based overseas.

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Blessed by its proximity to Europe, it is no surprise that the country is a popular tourist destination.

Caf officials are expected in the country for a five-day inspection tour in September and local officials are confident they will be pleased with what they discover.

Organisers say of the six stadia to be used for the tournament, five only require minor finishing touches, with The Rades Olympic in Tunis already set to host top-level football matches.

If one is to judge Tunisia by the standards shown in Mali, Nigeria/Ghana and Burkina Faso, they are ready to host the tournament at a moment's notice.