Niger, virtually played off the park in their Nations Cup debut against Gabon, are in for another stern test when they face 2004 titleholders Tunisia tonight.

While Tunisia are seeking the win that will all but put them into the quarterfinals after their opening 2-1 Group C victory against Morocco, Niger are desperate to restore their battered pride.

"We know we could have done better on Monday against Gabon. Now we are going in search of Niger's first-ever Nations Cup points," coach Harouna Doula said.

"We were disappointed in our performance in our first match, but there were a lot of reasons, the pressure of playing our first cup game, the pressure of playing the co-hosts .

"We are hoping for better on Friday."

Tunisia put themselves in a solid position to make the last eight by downing Morocco with goals from Khaled Korbi and second-half substitute Youssef Msakni.

Coach Sami Trabelsi put the win down to his side's spirit and aggression and rated the Niger clash as "more important than the game against Morocco".

But despite his satisfaction at picking up maximum points Trabelsi believed there was room for improvement.

In the other Group C game tonight, Gabon take on Morocco.