Tunisia Confirms 24-Man Squad for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
Tunisia will head to Egypt for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations without striker Fakhreddine Ben Youssef. The Ettifaq FC forward, along with defender Nader Ghandri, has been omitted from coach Alain Giresse’s final squad, a decision reflecting the Frenchman’s vision for the Eagles of Carthage in the tournament.
Giresse has maintained a squad of 24 players, including four goalkeepers. One goalkeeper will be withdrawn before the start of the tournament, ahead of Tunisia’s friendly against Croatia on June 11. The list reflects a balance of experience and youth, with players drawn from domestic and international leagues.
Goalkeepers:
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Farouk Ben Mustapha
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Mouez Hassen
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Aymen Dahmene
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Moez Ben Cherifia
Defenders:
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Yassine Meriah
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Wajdi Kechrida
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Nassim Hnid
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Mohamed Dräger
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Dylan Bronn
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Ali Maaloul
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Rami Bédoui
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Oussema Haddadi
Midfielders:
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Marc El Haimti
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Ghailane Chaalali
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Ayman Ben Mohamed
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Anice Badri
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Ellyes Skhiri
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Ferjani Sassi
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Bassem Srarfi
Forwards:
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Youssef Msakni
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Naim Sliti
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Wahbi Khazri
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Firas Chawat
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Taha Yassine Khenissi
The Tunisian squad is designed to be competitive across all areas of the pitch. Defensively, Ali Maaloul and Dylan Bronn provide leadership and stability, while Yassine Meriah anchors the backline. In midfield, the combination of Ellyes Skhiri and Ferjani Sassi offers both defensive coverage and creative distribution, ensuring balance in the middle of the park.
Upfront, Tunisia will rely on the versatility and experience of Wahbi Khazri, Youssef Msakni, and Naim Sliti to create scoring opportunities and lead counter-attacks. Though Ben Youssef’s absence may be felt, the coach appears confident that the selected forwards, including Taha Yassine Khenissi and Bassem Srarfi, can provide the necessary firepower to challenge the continent’s best defenses.
Coach Giresse has emphasized team cohesion and tactical discipline, aiming to build on Tunisia’s preparations during friendly matches. The Eagles of Carthage will seek to find rhythm and sharpen their strategy before Egypt, with June 11’s friendly against Croatia serving as a final tune-up for the squad.
This 24-man squad reflects Tunisia’s ambition to compete strongly in Group E, where they will face some of Africa’s top teams. The mix of domestic talent and internationally experienced players provides flexibility, allowing Giresse to adapt tactics to different opponents throughout the tournament.
With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, all eyes will be on Tunisia’s blend of youth and experience, as the Eagles of Carthage aim to make a significant impact on their return to the continental stage.
