Alexandria, Egypt (PANA) - A hat-trick from striker Francileudo Dos Santos sent a message Sunday that defending champion Tunisia would fight tooth and nail to retain the African Nations Cup (CAN) title won at home in 2004.

The Tunisians worked their way up from a one goal deficit to crush Zambia 4-1 in a Group C opener played here Sunday at the Harras El-Hedoud
Stadium.

The Zambians took the lead the ninth minute when striker James Chamanga capitalised on a defensive blunder to beat goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel, before Dos Santos levelled the score 25 minutes later to end the first half one-all.

On resumption the defending champion took the lead through Riadh Bouazizi, and Dos Santos put the game beyond the reach of the Zambians with his second and then sealed their doom with a third in extra time.

Dos Santos becomes the second player to score a hit-trick after Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon routed Angola with three strikes in a Group B match Saturday at the Cairo Military Academy Stadium.

Other Group C sides South Africa and Guinea are billed to take to the turf later Sunday.