Tunisia head coach Mondher Kebaier is planning significant squad changes ahead of the November international break. The moves come after a stuttering start to 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, where Tunisia sits second in their group with just two points from home draws against Uganda (1-1) and Botswana (2-2).
Kebaier said: "قرر معين الشعباني الاستغناء عن بعض اللاعبين من أصحاب الجنسية المزدوجة الذين فشلوا في تقديم الإضافة لمنتخب تونس خلال نهائيات كأس أمم أفريقيا 2025 وكأس العالم 2026." He added: "ينوي معين الشعباني الاستعانة ببعض نجوم الدوري التونسي خلال فترة التوقف الدولي المقبل." These changes are an attempt to turn the page on a disappointing run of form, with Tunisia having won just one of their last five official matches.
Players Facing the Axe
The technical assessment focuses on the performance of several Europe-born or raised players. Among the prominent names under consideration for exclusion are right winger Ilyes Chetti, right back Mutaz Nemati, and striker Ryan Loumi. These players have faced strong fan criticism for a declining impact in high-stakes matches, prompting the technical staff to reconsider selection policy.
Bolstering the Ranks Locally
Kebaier aims to restore value to local players after years of declining representation. His staff will focus on monitoring standout performers in the preliminary rounds of the African Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, seeking talents capable of strengthening the squad. The technical team is also tracking several promising talents playing in European leagues, such as Aymen Abdennour, on loan from Feyenoord Rotterdam to Excelsior, and Adam Al-Ayari, a Paris Saint-Germain youth prospect.
These moves come at a critical time. Tunisia awaits a home fixture against Libya in the third round of qualifiers on November 11, a match where the team seeks to correct its trajectory and improve results. This will be the first of two key qualifiers against Libya, with the return leg scheduled for November 19. The team will now rely on scorers from the last draw, like Hazem Mastouri who netted twice against Botswana, to lead the line in the coming period.
Further reading: العين الرياضية
