Alexandria, Egypt (PANA) - As the African Cup of Nations (CAN) tournament opened Friday, defending champions Tunisia are hoping to be the second country after Cameroon, to successfully defend the continental trophy, back to back.

The Carthage Eagles, who rounded off their preparation with a 2-0 confidence-building victory over the Black Stars of Ghana in Tunis a week ago, are going into their 12th championship with a star-studded including skipper Riadh Bouazizi, Brazilian-born forward Francileudo dos Santo, Ajax-based Hatem Trabelsi and British Bolton Wanderers' centre-back Radhi Jaidi.

Tunisia's victory in Tunis in 2004 was only the first in their history, but the Carthage Eagles would also be making their fourth World Cup appearance in Germany 2006.

Tunisian coach, Frenchman Roger Lemerre holds the record of wining two consecutive titles on different continents after leading France to Euro 2000 success before steering the Carthage Eagles to win the Nations Cup on home soil in 2004.

Tunisia begin their defence of the CAN Cup Sunday in Alexandria against Zambia in Group C.