Tunisia have parted ways with head coach Sami Trabelsi following the Carthage Eagles’ elimination from the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure after a disappointing campaign in Morocco.
The decision was confirmed by the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Tunisia were knocked out by Mali on penalties in the Round of 16. The contest ended 1–1 after extra time before Mali prevailed in the shootout.
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In an official statement, the federation said the decision was taken by mutual agreement with the technical crew, citing the team’s early exit from the tournament.
“The Executive Committee has decided to terminate the contractual relationship by mutual consent with the entire technical staff of the national team,” the FTF said.
Trabelsi’s dismissal follows mounting public anger and widespread criticism of Tunisia’s performances at the tournament, where expectations were high after a promising start in the group stage.
Tunisia opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 3–1 victory over Uganda, briefly raising hopes of a deep run.
However, a 3–2 defeat to Nigeria and a 1–1 draw with Tanzania in their final group match exposed concerns about consistency.
Those doubts were laid bare in the knockout phase against Mali.
Despite taking the lead and enjoying a numerical advantage after Mali were reduced to ten men early on, Tunisia failed to assert control. The match finished level after extra time, with Mali eventually sealing qualification on penalties.
The early exit proved decisive for Trabelsi, whose side struggled to convince over the course of the competition.
Tunisia’s failure to progress beyond the Round of 16 represents another setback for a nation that last lifted the AFCON trophy on home soil in 2004 and has since found it difficult to consistently replicate that success on the continental stage.
The Tunisian Football Federation is expected to announce interim arrangements and outline the process for appointing a new head coach in the coming days.
