Tunisia National Team: A New Era Begins
At least 15 players, mostly expatriates, have reinforced the Carthage Eagles squad, a stark contrast to the team that participated in the recent Arab Cup. This significant qualitative and technical leap is expected to give the national team a new face.
Squad Announcement
National team coach, Sami Trabelsi, announced the list of players called up to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Morocco on Friday. The list includes an expanded group of 28 players, comprising 4 goalkeepers and 24 field players. This is 5 more players than the 23 names retained for the Arab Cup.
Notable Changes
10 players who participated in the Arab Cup have been left out of the new list and will not travel to Morocco. Notably, ESS goalkeeper Sabri Ben Hassen, one of the best in his position, has been added to the group of 3 goalkeepers already called up for the Arab Cup as the 4th goalkeeper.
Return of Key Players
The most striking aspect is the return of numerous defensive players, including:
- Montassar Talbi from Lorient
- Ali Abdi from OGC Nice in France
- Dylan Bronn from Servette Genève in Switzerland, all of whom are potential starters Yan Valéry and the Kasimpasa duo from Turkey, composed of Adam Arous and Mortadha Ben Ouannes, have been recalled and will compete for a starting spot with players who have already proven themselves, such as Mohamed Ben Ali or Yassine Meriah, who showed excellent form against Qatar.
Midfield and Attack
In midfield, Al Shamal SC player and national team playmaker Naïm Sliti, who missed the Arab Cup due to injury, is expected to regain playing time, along with Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who shone against Qatar. The midfield and attack have also seen the return of key players, including:
- Elyes Skhiri from Eintracht Francfort in Germany
- Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud from Lugano in Switzerland
- Hannibal Mejbri from Burnley in England Ismael Gharbi from Augsburg in Germany, who participated in 2 Arab Cup matches, makes his comeback.
Attackers Return
In attack, the return of:
- Elias Achouri from FC Copenhague in Denmark
- Elias Saad from Augsburg
- Sebastian Tounekti from Celtic Glasgow in Scotland
- Hazem Mastouri from FC Dynamo Makhachkala in Russia are the main sensations, especially after their notable absence in the Arab Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, Seifeddine Jaziri and Firas Chaouat, who were relatively discreet in the Arab Cup, have a new opportunity to shine.
