Tunisia Part Ways with Coach Sami Trabelsi After AFCON 2025 Disappointment

Tunisia have officially ended their working relationship with national team head coach Sami Trabelsi following the Carthage Eagles’ early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing a difficult tournament campaign to an abrupt close.

The decision was confirmed by the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) on Sunday, coming less than a day after Tunisia were knocked out by Mali in the Round of 16.

That encounter finished 1–1 after extra time, before Mali prevailed in a tense penalty shootout, ending Tunisia’s hopes of progressing further in the competition.

In a short statement released by the federation, the FTF said the separation was reached by mutual consent, with Trabelsi and his entire technical crew relieved of their duties due to the team’s inability to meet expectations at the tournament.

“The Executive Committee has agreed to end the contract of the national team’s technical staff by mutual agreement,” the federation stated.

A Campaign That Lost Momentum

Tunisia’s AFCON journey began on a promising note, with a confident 3–1 opening win against Uganda that briefly restored optimism among supporters.

However, the momentum quickly faded. A 3–2 loss to Nigeria exposed defensive weaknesses, while a frustrating 1–1 draw with Tanzania in their final group game raised concerns about the team’s consistency and tactical balance.

Those issues resurfaced in the knockout stage. Despite taking the lead against Mali — and playing much of the match against ten men — Tunisia failed to assert control. Mali regrouped, equalised, and ultimately sealed qualification via penalties.

Pressure Mounts After Early Exit

The Round of 16 elimination proved decisive for Trabelsi, as frustration grew among fans and analysts who had expected a stronger showing from one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.

Tunisia’s struggles underline a broader challenge facing the nation’s football ambitions. Since winning the AFCON title on home soil in 2004, the Carthage Eagles have repeatedly fallen short of reclaiming continental dominance.

With Trabelsi’s departure confirmed, attention now turns to the federation’s next move as Tunisia prepares for another rebuilding phase — and searches for a new coach capable of restoring confidence, identity, and competitiveness on the African stage.