In a decisive move following Tunisia’s heartbreaking elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Tunisian Football Federation has severed ties with head coach Sami Trabelsi. The announcement came just 24 hours after the Carthage Eagles suffered a dramatic last-16 defeat against Mali under circumstances that left fans and pundits astonished.
The knockout match in Casablanca turned dramatically in Tunisia’s favor during the opening minutes when Mali’s Woyo Coulibaly received a red card, forcing the Eagles to play with ten men for virtually the entire contest including extra time. Despite this significant advantage and taking a late lead in the 88th minute, Tunisia inexplicably conceded a penalty during stoppage time, ultimately collapsing in the subsequent penalty shootout.
The Federation’s official statement characterized the separation as a mutual agreement to terminate the contractual relationship with the entire technical staff. This departure marks Trabelsi’s second exit from the national team leadership, having previously resigned in 2013 following another disappointing AFCON group stage elimination.
Trabelsi, who had only returned to helm the Tunisian squad last February, acknowledged full responsibility for the devastating loss, describing it as causing ‘great disappointment and pain.’ His team had shown promise during the group stage, finishing second in Group C with a convincing 3-1 victory against Uganda, despite subsequent setbacks against Nigeria (3-2) and Tanzania (1-1).
The coaching change comes at a critical juncture for Tunisian football as the team prepares for its participation in the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about the future direction of the national program.