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Tunisia has sacked its head coach, Sami Trabelsi, following the Carthage Eagles’ early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirmed the decision on Sunday, less than a day after Tunisia were knocked out by Mali in the Round of 16. The encounter finished 1-1 after extra time before Mali triumphed in a tense penalty shootout.
In a short statement, the federation said the decision was reached by mutual agreement with Trabelsi and his crew, pointing to the team’s inability to advance further in the competition.
The decision follows growing frustration among supporters and analysts who had seen Tunisia as a strong contender for the title in Morocco.
Tunisia’s campaign began on a promising note with a convincing 3-1 win over Uganda, a result that briefly raised expectations of a deep run.
A 3-2 loss to Nigeria exposed defensive weaknesses, while a scrappy 1-1 draw against Tanzania in their final group game deepened concerns about the team’s cohesion and mental toughness.
Those issues became more pronounced in the knockout stage. Tunisia went ahead against Mali and appeared in control, especially after their opponents were reduced to 10 men early on. Despite the numerical advantage, Tunisia failed to press home their superiority, allowing Mali to regroup, force extra time and eventually prevail on penalties.
The Round of 16 exit proved decisive for Trabelsi, whose side struggled to assert themselves consistently throughout the tournament.
Tunisia’s elimination marks another disappointing chapter for a nation that last tasted continental glory in 2004, when they lifted the AFCON trophy on home soil.
More than two decades later, questions remain over the team’s long-term direction as the federation prepares for another rebuilding phase and the search for new leadership.
