The long wait is just about over for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with five African national teams preparing to represent the continent in Qatar. Pan-Africa Football is previewing each African national team before the group stage takes place to provide a detailed guide for viewers and supporters of African football to refer to throughout the competition. Next up in our series is a deep look at the Eagles of Carthage, Tunisia, who will be competing in Group D:
Tunisia
Profile
Nickname: Carthage Eagles
FIFA Ranking: 30
Previous appearances: 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018
Best Finish: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018)
Schedule
Group D
November 22: Tunisia vs. Denmark
November 26: Tunisia vs. Australia
November 30: Tunisia vs. France
Manager
Jalel Kadri
Kadri’s appointment in January following the departure of Mondher Kebaier was not met with enthusiasm by Tunisian supporters due to the fact that he was an assistant of Kebaier. However, over time he has earned their respect even if a foreign coach was the more preferred option. The 50-year-old’s first matches in charge were in the playoff round of World Cup qualifying against Mali and despite not having star forward Wahbi Khazri to call upon the Carthage Eagles managed to squeak past 1-0 on aggregate. Since then Kadri’s team got off to a positive start in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and surprised at Japan’s Kirin Cup where Tunisia won the four-team friendly competition with a 3-0 victory over the hosts in the final.
Undefeated in his first seven matches in charge the team finally were defeated in a September friendly, losing 5-1 to World Cup favorites Brazil. Kadri will line his team up with one striker, perhaps in a 4-2-2-2-1 formation with attacking fullbacks and three central midfielders. Expect Kadri’s team to keep matches close with his greatest challenge being to find a way for Tunisia to produce goals without a dependable striker to lead the forward line. Tunisia’s two central midfielders are the team’s greatest strength but Kadri’s other major challenge will be protecting his attacking fullbacks from getting exposed on the defensive end.
Expected Formation
Goalkeepers
16. Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien- Tunisia)
Appearances: 4
Bechir Ben Saïd was the choice of Kadri’s predecessor Mondher Kebaier and Kadri initially stuck with the US Monastir shot stopper in his first four competitive matches. However, unsure performances from Ben Saïd allowed Dahmen to get an opportunity at the Kirin Cup and the 25-year-old CS Sfaxien keeper was excellent, winning the endorsement of Kadri who publicly stated that Dahmen will be his starter in Qatar. Calm when distributing with very good reflexes on shots from inside his penalty area, Dahmen has looked much more composed than Ben Saïd and appears to be not only Tunisia’s goalkeeper of the future but for now as well.
22. Bechir Ben Saïd (US Monastir- Tunisia)
Appearances: 10
Possesses good reflexes but has moments of instability that results in mistakes on aerial balls, a major reason why Kadri elected to declare Dahmen as his starter in Qatar. Capable backup if he is needed but has yet to impress against stronger teams.
1. Aymen Mathlouthi (Étoile du Sahel- Tunisia)
Appearances: 78
The 38-year-old popularly known as “Balbouli” has been part of Tunisia’s team for six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and played one match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a 2-1 victory against Panama. A legend at Tunisian side Étoile du Sahel with over 300 appearances for the club, Mathlouthi figures to be an experienced leader in the Tunisia team who can step in if there is an injury crisis at the position.
26. Mouez Hassan (Club Africain)
Appearances: 20
Another experienced player in the goalkeeper group for Tunisia, the 27-year-old born in France started the final four matches for the Carthage Eagles during their run to the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup final. Has not featured since then and is expected to be a backup.
Defenders
3. Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient- France)
Appearances: 22
Goals: 1
In contrast to the majority of his fellow defenders in the Tunisia team, Talbi is relatively young at 24-years-old but is the standout at center back. Excellent on aerial duels, a capable passer and reliable in the tackle while committing very few fouls. A graduate of the Espérance ST youth academy and made his debut for Tunisia’s most successful club at the age of 18. Talbi is highly regarded by Tunisian supporters and will be crucial in a team that likely needs to keep games low scoring to succeed.
20. Mohamed Dräger (Luzern- Switzerland)
Appearances: 33
Goals: 3
A right back or midfielder with an incredible engine and work rate who is at his best when getting forward. Dräger appears to be a guaranteed starter in Qatar with good form for club and country in the buildup. The only complaints from Tunisian supporters is that the 26-year-old can be a bit erratic with his crossing and also that Dräger is an average defender.
12. Ali Maâloul (Al Ahly- Egypt)
Appearances: 82
Goals: 2
Possesses the best left foot in African club football. The 32-year-old left back was the leading scorer during the 2015-16 Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle season with hometown club CS Sfaxien, winning the 2013 CAF Confederation Cup as well before moving to Egyptian and African giants Al Ahly in Egypt. Excellent on set piece deliveries and at getting forward to provide crosses along with an eye for goal. A key part of four Egyptian Premier League titles for Ahly and won back-to-back CAF Champions League titles with the Cairo club.
6. Dylan Bronn (Salernitana- Italy)
Appearances: 36
Goals: 2
Born in Cannes, Bronn is a tough and versatile defender with decent technical ability whose natural position is in the center of defense but he can also operate at right back like he did for Tunisia at the 2018 World Cup. After starting every match in the group stage of qualifying under previous coach Kebaier, Bronn has only featured once for Kadri, getting sent off with a straight red card in the first half during Tunisia’s 5-1 friendly defeat to Brazil. Based on his previous record and current strong club form with Italian Serie A side Salernitana, Bronn is likely to start but Kadri may go with another of his veteran options.
24. Ali Abdi (Caen- France)
Appearances: 9
Goals: 1
One of the best fullbacks in France’s second tier Ligue 2 with speed and skill when attacking down the left flank, Abdi is making a major push for the starting position in Qatar after splitting time with veteran Ali Maâloul over the past year. Under Kadri the native of Sfax has started four of Tunisia’s last six matches and played every minute as Tunisia surprised many by winning the 2022 Kirin Cup exhibition tournament. At this point it appears that Abdi may have the edge over Maâloul.
4. Yassine Meriah (Espérance ST- Tunisia)
Appearances: 60
Goals: 3
A somewhat controversial choice from Kadri after only returning to action in the last month following a long-term knee injury. However the 29-year-old has a highly decorated career that saw him make the Team of the Tournament for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations along with experience playing in Europe. Brings leadership and strong ability in the air.
2. Bilel Ifa (Kuwait SC- Kuwait)
Appearances: 36
Goals: 0
A powerfully built center back who adds to the experience of the Tunisian defense, Ifa is an accomplished player with two Tunisian championships and two Tunisia Cup wins to his name from a fifteen year spell at Club Africain. Started every match of Tunisia’s run to the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup final as well as every match in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations where the Carthage Eagles reached the quarterfinals.
5. Nader Ghandri (Club Africain- Tunisia)
Appearances: 7
Goals: 0
The giant center back is a threat on set pieces, scoring three goals during the playoff stage of the 2021-22 Tunisia Ligue 1 Professionnelle for Club Africain. Started both legs of the crucial World Cup qualifying playoff against Mali with both matches ending in clean sheets for the Carthage Eagles. Has become a reliable backup for Kadri in 2022, making six of his seven appearances this year after spending nearly three years out of the Tunisia team.
21. Wajdi Kechrida (Atromitos- Greece)
Appearances: 18
Goals: 0
The 27-year-old former Étoile du Sahel player is capable when moving forward and retains possession well because of his intelligence on the ball. Has not featured in over a year for Tunisia but has plenty of experience and is a steady player who can step in if there is an injury to starter Mohamed Dräger.
Midfielders
14. Aïssa Laïdouni (Ferencváros- Hungary)
Appearances: 24
Goals: 1
Laïdouni continues to excel with Hungarian champions Ferencváros, showing his quality in the UEFA Europa League as well as Hungary’s top division. An absolute warrior in the center of the park when he plays with Tunisia who can also contribute moving forward if asked. Where Laïdouni succeeds most is in his willingness to get involved on the defensive end with fierce tackling and a quality where it appears he is everywhere on the pitch due to his work rate. An important part of the Tunisian midfield who has established himself as a key contributor at national team level.
17. Ellyes Skhiri (FC Köln- Germany)
Appearances: 48
Goals: 3
A veteran who continues to be a key defensive presence in the midfield for Bundesliga club FC Köln, Skhiri is an automatic starter for Tunisia when healthy. Provides tireless work in pursuing opposition midfielders and is an important reason along with Laïdouni why midfield is Tunisia’s greatest strength. Also capable of contributing when he gets forward with smart passing and can provide goals from set pieces due to his ability to read the game, allowing him to appear in the right place to finish. Skhiri will function mainly as a reliable decision maker deep in the midfield who drops back to help protect Tunisia’s center backs.
13. Ferjani Sassi (Al-Duhail- Qatar)
Appearances: 77
Goals: 6
Was a teammate of Tunisia left back Maâloul on the CS Sfaxien team that won the 2013 CAF Confederation Cup. The former Zamalek star is another central midfielder who is capable of scoring when making runs forward and is an accurate passer who shows ambition when acting as the link between the midfield and attack.
15. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Espérance ST- Tunisia)
Appearances: 22
Goals: 1
A technically skilled central midfielder who is calm on the ball in tight spaces and has an excellent shot from distance. The 23-year-old may not start due to the large amount of options in Tunisia’s midfield but his ability to get forward and strike the ball makes Ben Romdhane a useful option off the bench for Kadri. Has yet to fully prove himself with the national team but is an established star in African club football with Espérance. For a more detailed profile, click here to read our scouting report on Ben Romdhane.
8. Hannibal Mejbri (Birmingham City- England)
Appearances: 18
Goals: 0
On loan at English second tier side Birmingham from Manchester United, the 19-year-old has incredible potential and is gaining valuable playing time leading up to the World Cup. Mejbri is talented when in possession with a great passing range and skill on the ball. The French-born playmaker has gotten opportunities to break into a talented Tunisian midfield but has failed to consistently show his quality. However, consistent playing time for his current club may be exactly what inspires Hannibal to make important contributions in Qatar and show Tunisian supporters that he can be the star many expect him to eventually be for the national team.
18. Ghailene Chaalali (Espérance ST- Tunisia)
Appearances: 30
Goals: 1
Another member of Espérance ST in the Tunisia squad, the central midfielder is the more defensive partner of Ben Romdhane with the Tunisian champions. A depth option who will come in to secure the Tunisian midfield if they are in a winning position or need more stability in a close match.
25. Anis Ben Slimane (Brøndby- Denmark)
Appearances: 24
Goals: 4
The 21-year-old continues to see his role grow with the national team and is a versatile attacking option for Kadri who can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide as a forward. Strong on the ball with good stamina, Ben Slimane played every minute of the Kirin Cup in June on the right flank and appears to be earning the favor of Kadri. Born in Denmark and a former youth national team player for the country, Ben Slimane is in strong form for his club and has a good chance of starting the opening match against his country of birth.
Forwards
10. Wahbi Khazri (Montpellier- France)
Appearances: 71
Goals: 24
The forward from Corsica is Tunisia’s most consistent attacker and is deadly when in good form. Opposing defenders have a difficult time muscling Khazri off the ball because of his short and stocky build as he moves around the penalty area. Will look to start quick passing combinations and find space to get his strong shot off in tight spaces. Is second on the all-time scoring list for the Carthage Eagles, making Tunisia potentially dangerous if he and Youssef Msakni can find their best form.
7. Youssef Msakni (Al-Arabi- Qatar)
Appearances: 87
Goals: 17
The Tunisian captain is an enigma. Capable of producing outstanding individual goals, Msakni is a player who can be maddeningly inconsistent at times and spurned multiple offers from European clubs throughout most of his career, being content to play his club football and earn a high salary in the Middle East. Regained the trust of Tunisian supporters with a strong end to 2021 that saw him find his form at the FIFA Arab Cup before scoring the winner from long distance in Tunisia’s surprise victory over Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations over a month later. After missing the 2018 World Cup due to a serious knee injury this is the last chance Msakni has to prove his immense talent on the biggest stage of all.
23. Naïm Sliti (Al-Ettifaq- Saudi Arabia)
Appearances: 68
Goals: 13
A shifty dribbler who can be Tunisia’s most explosive attacker on his best days, the Marseille-born attacker is a fun player to watch and has won the Saudi Pro League player of the month award twice since joining Al-Ettifaq in 2019. However, the 30-year-old has struggled to produce in major competitions with inconsistent shooting and can disappear when Tunisia comes up against higher quality opponents. Whether he starts or comes off the bench Sliti gives Kadri a pacey option who can operate on either flank.
19. Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek- Egypt)
Appearances: 29
Goals: 10
Another attacking option who can be very inconsistent, Jaziri is a striker who was on the verge of leaving Egyptian champions Zamalek after a poor start to the 2021-22 season but regained the trust of the club’s management with a strong second half of the campaign. The 29-year-old marksman scored four goals at the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup but will need to prove that he is capable of contributing at the high level a World Cup requires, something he is yet to do. Has a high work rate with good pace and can test defenders with his movements and runs.
9. Issam Jebali (Odense- Denmark)
Appearances: 9
Goals: 2
The 30-year-old veteran forward made his debut in 2018 and is pushing to play in Qatar with timely goals in recent games. Came on as a substitute and scored in each of Tunisia’s two matches at the Kirin Cup to impress supporters who are desperate for an efficient number nine striker to lead the line. In good form at Danish club Odense, making him an increasingly appealing option for Kadri at the right time. Expect him to get an opportunity off the bench at some point if he does not get a surprise start.
11. Taha Khenissi (Kuwait SC- Kuwait)
Appearances: 48
Goals: 9
A traditional striker with plenty of industry up top, Khenissi spent over two years out of the Tunisia team due to a doping ban but has an excellent scoring record from his time in Tunisian club football. Earned his way back into the conversation to start up top for the Carthage Eagles but many supporters see him as an unspectacular option who is not capable of excelling at this level.
Outlook: Group Stage Exit
Many are expecting Tunisia to once again exit the competition early considering they have never advanced past the group stage. However a strong midfield and capable defense combined with one of the World Cup’s weaker groups gives the Carthage Eagles a fighting chance and recent results have been positive. Expect them to be competitive but a lack of options at the striker position makes it difficult for us to see Tunisia getting the points they need to overtake group favorites Denmark and France.
