Veteran coach Faouzi Benzarti has resigned as head coach of Tunisia’s national football team, stepping down after just four games in charge. The 74-year-old, who had returned for his fourth spell as Tunisia’s manager in July 2024, leaves the position following a mixed run of results in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Benzarti’s brief tenure saw Tunisia record two victories, a draw, and a defeat.
The team secured wins against Madagascar and Gambia but stumbled with a draw and a loss to Comoros during the October international break.
Despite the recent setbacks, Tunisia remains in a strong position, leading their AFCON qualifying group with seven points from four matches.
The Tunisian Football Federation has yet to name a replacement for Benzarti, whose departure adds a layer of uncertainty to the team’s AFCON qualification campaign.
With crucial matches against Madagascar and Gambia looming in November, Tunisia will be looking for stability as they aim to secure their spot in the 2025 tournament.
Benzarti’s decision to step down comes at a pivotal moment for Tunisia, who currently sit atop their qualifying group, just one point ahead of second-placed Comoros.
Gambia follows closely in third with five points, while Madagascar lags behind in last place with two points.
The upcoming fixtures will determine which teams will progress to the tournament, making the need for a steady hand at the helm all the more pressing.
During his long and storied career, Faouzi Benzarti has enjoyed considerable success both domestically and internationally.
Known for his tactical acumen and no-nonsense approach, Benzarti has managed top clubs in Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya, as well as taking charge of the national team on multiple occasions.
His previous stints as Tunisia’s head coach were marked by a mixture of triumphs and challenges, including leading the team to the final of the 1996 AFCON and a brief but controversial tenure in 2018.
Benzarti’s latest return to the national side, however, failed to deliver the consistent results that fans and officials had hoped for.
While victories over Madagascar and Gambia kept Tunisia on track for AFCON qualification, the draw and loss to Comoros raised concerns about the team’s form heading into the final stages of the qualifiers.
As the Tunisian Football Federation begins the search for a new manager, the priority will be to appoint a leader capable of guiding the team through the remaining qualifying matches and into the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The federation will also need to address any lingering issues within the squad, ensuring that the next coach has the tools necessary to build on the progress made under Benzarti.
With AFCON qualification still within reach, the Tunisian national team finds itself at a crossroads.
Benzarti’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity for new leadership to take the team forward in its quest for continental success.
