Sheffield United midfielder Anis Slimane played for Tunisia yesterday against Namibia in the AFCON but it all went wrong for Blades ace.
Slimane, 22, has had a frustrating time of things since he moved to United in the summer. Rarely picked by Paul Heckingbottom, he’s been among a number of summer signings who have failed to ignite.
However, things looked to be picking up a touch before he jetted off, with Slimane being given a few chances by Chris Wilder and impressing in the main.
But after starting wearing the coveted number ten shirt for Tunisia against Namibia yesterday, things couldn’t have gone much worse.
Slimane found himself on the wrong side of a historical moment for Namibia as they snatched a late 1-0 victory to win their first ever game in the AFCON.
Namibia are ranked 115th in the world. Tunisia are a lofty 28th and were expected to steamroll them. But a late winner from Deon Hotto sent the Namibians into ecstasy as they finally got a win at the tenth attempt in the tournament.
Slimane will be wondering what he’s done wrong
Of course, it’s only the opening game and things might change quickly for Slimane and Tunisia.
However, the midfielder will be wondering what ladder he walked under or how many mirrors he smashed, given the rotten run of results he’s been a part of this season.
Slimane will be feeling like the last 7-8 months have been nothing but losing football, but for the odd win with the Blades.
On the plus side, for United and Slimane, he did play most of the game and this is a good way for him to get fully match fit before returning to Bramall Lane.
Clearly, Chris Wilder sees something in him and his few cameos have shown a spark.
Slimane, then, could play a big role for United for the rest of this season and if it is Championship football next term, he could be an even bigger player.