Tunisia has become one of the most consistent teams in AFCON’s history, with 21 appearances. The Cartage Eagles will feature in 16 consecutive AFCON tournaments when the 2023 edition kicks off in Cote d’Ivoire.
The country’s only success at the competition was on home turf in 2004. Tunisia defeated Nigeria 5-3 on penalties in the semifinal before a 2-1 win over rival Morocco in the final. The country’s best finish at AFCON was a fourth-place finish in 2019.
Tunisia will miss the experience of veteran Wahbi Khazri at the AFCON. The 32-year-old retired from the national team in 2022. Also missing is youngster Hannibal Mejbri; the 20-year-old opted out of the squad, stating “he’s not ready.”
Jalel Kadri is one of the first-time national team appointees going to the AFCON.
The 52-year-old has no record of playing the game professionally; however, his managerial career has spanned over 20 years, and in charge of over 10 teams,
Kadri was first appointed as assistant coach of the Tunisian national team. He was at the 2021 AFCON, where he took charge of his first game against Nigeria in the round of 16 after first-team coach Mondher Kebaier was out with a COVID-19 infection.
He was subsequently appointed as coach in 2022, although his form with the national team has been mixed.
Star Player
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ellyes Skhiri will be running the midfield engine room for Tunisia at AFCON.
The 28-year-old has played over 50 times for the Tunisian team, and his experience will be much needed if they are to progress from the group stage.
Skhiri is a strong player with a good vision of the ball. He could also provide some versatility for the team, having made his debut as a fullback before moving to play in the heart of the defence.
Rising star
Anis Ben Slimane is another prospect for the Cartage Eagles in the midfield.
He joined English side Sheffield United from Brøndby IF in the summer and has featured over five times for the Blades.
Slimane is good in the air, a great dribbler, and can score from a distance.
Fixtures
Tunisia vs Namibia – January 16
Tunisia vs Mali – January 20
South Africa vs Tunisia – January 24