Étoile Sportive du Sahel have opted not to release its players for the Tunisia U-20 national team ahead of the upcoming Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, 2025.
According to Tunisian radio station Diwan FM, Étoile du Sahel’s head coach, Mohamed Mkacher, has decided against allowing his players to join the national team for the tournament.
His decision is based on the club’s commitment to crucial fixtures in the Tunisian Ligue 1.
Étoile du Sahel is currently striving to secure victories in its remaining matches, hoping that rival teams falter in order to climb closer to the top of the league standings or, at minimum, secure qualification for continental competition next season.
The club presently sits in fourth place in the league table with 51 points.
Similarly, Union Sportive Monastirienne’s head coach, Faouzi Benzarti, has made a comparable decision by denying permission for his player, Louay Tiraia, to participate in the same tournament.
US Monastirienne is also engaged in a competitive league campaign, sharing the top spot in the standings and remaining active in the Tunisian Cup.
The refusal of both clubs to release players for the national U-20 team highlights the ongoing tension between club commitments and national team duties, particularly during critical phases of domestic competitions.
This situation poses challenges for the Tunisia U-20 coaching staff as they prepare for the continental tournament without access to key players from top-tier clubs.
The 2025 U-20 AFCON will also serve as the qualifiers for the 2025 U-20 World Cup.
