National Team Coach Sami Trabelsi: Upcoming Match Against Sao Tome and Principe is a Confirmation Match
National team coach Sami Trabelsi emphasized that the upcoming match against Sao Tome and Principe, scheduled for Friday at Radès, as part of the 9th day of the 2026 World Cup qualifications, will be a confirmation match. During a press conference held on Thursday, accompanied by player Nader Ghandri, Trabelsi specified that "even though qualification was already acquired since the 8th day, tomorrow's match remains of great importance to maintain a winning dynamic." "Winning the last two matches against Sao Tome and Principe and Equatorial Guinea would give a special flavor to our World Cup qualification," he stated. He added that the rest of the qualifications should in no way be a mere formality, calling on players to take their opponents seriously despite the inequality of forces, particularly with Sao Tome and Principe, who are last in the group without a single point. Trabelsi also considered that keeping goals intact remains a positive indicator, estimating, however, that the team cannot be safe from conceding goals by adopting a strictly defensive game. "Moving away from our goal and opting for offense is the best way to limit danger, regardless of the opponent," he stated.
Team Selection and Strategy
Regarding the team selection for the last two matches, the national coach indicated that he will rely on the team's usual core players while gradually integrating new elements, particularly those who have had little playing time in previous matches. Regarding the non-convocation of another attacker to replace Youssef Snana, Trabelsi considered that no additional reinforcement was necessary in this position, affirming that there is no room for emotional decisions in player selection, whether they play in the local championship or abroad.
Player Selection and Positioning
Regarding the defender of the Slovenian club Maribor, Omar Rekik, who was not retained in the national team, Trabelsi emphasized that "the issue goes beyond technical considerations, as the player had previously declined a national team call-up." For his part, player Nader Ghandri stated that the Tunisian selection will try to remain faithful to its reputation of never taking any match lightly, regardless of the stakes. "We must win to confirm our World Cup qualification and to continue our series of positive results in view of the next deadlines," he emphasized. Regarding his positioning on the field, Ghandri declared that he prefers to play as a central defender, while specifying that the final decision belongs to the coach.
