Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri delivered a frank and emotional assessment of his country’s football following their Round of 16 elimination by Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations, calling for deep structural reforms in the game.
Speaking after the dramatic defeat — which saw ten-man Mali hold on before winning on penalties — Mejbri admitted that Tunisia have fallen significantly behind their continental peers.
Read Also: Chelle Confirms Dessers Ruled Out of AFCON, Provides Alebiosu Injury Update | Sports247 Nigeria
“I will say it now, we are 10 years behind in football,” Mejbri said.
“We have to sit down and ask ourselves how we got to this point. We have to re-educate and train in everything, learn again from the beginning, from the very first jobs in football.”
The midfielder’s comments reflected the frustration within the Tunisian camp after failing to capitalise on a numerical advantage for more than an hour. Mali were reduced to ten men in the 26th minute following a dangerous challenge by Woyo Coulibaly on Mejbri, yet Tunisia were unable to assert full control of the contest.
Although Tunisia eventually took a late lead through Firas Chaouat, they conceded a stoppage-time penalty and went on to lose in the shootout, bringing a premature end to their AFCON campaign.
Mejbri did not shy away from broader comparisons, pointing to nations that have made significant strides on the continent.
“Football in Tunisia has fallen behind a lot, especially when you compare us to countries like Morocco,” he added.
His remarks underline growing concerns about development structures, coaching education, and long-term planning within Tunisian football. Once a consistent force in African competitions, Tunisia now faces serious questions following another disappointing tournament exit.
Despite the painful defeat, Mejbri’s candid assessment may serve as a catalyst for reflection and reform as Tunisian football looks to rebuild and regain its competitive edge on the continental stage.
