Anis Boujelban, former player of Al Ahly and the Tunisian national team, has shed light on the disparity in the performance of his compatriot Ali Maâloul between his time at Al Ahly and representing the Tunisian national team.
Maâloul has been included in the Tunisian national team’s roster, gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations 2024.
Boujelban stated via Foot 24 Tunisian site, “Ali Maâloul is a pride for Tunisia with what he offers in Egypt.
He is an emblematic figure for Al Ahly, having joined them after captaining CS Sfaxien.”
He clarified, “The style of play at Al Ahly suits Ali Maâloul, and some blame him for the difference in his performance between Al Ahly and the national team.
Here, blame should not be on the player but on how he is utilized and whether he feels comfortable.”
Boujelban emphasized, “With Al Ahly, he contributes significantly, but with the national team, he does not deliver the same output.
I cannot imagine that the fault lies with him, and we need to create the right conditions for him to replicate what he does with Al Ahly.”
Regarding his expectations for the Tunisian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations, Boujelban replied, “I believe we should at least reach the semi-finals, and achieving this position is no longer an accomplishment.”
He added, “Where will we end up? We are supposed to be contenders for the title; aspirations must grow, and we need to proceed step by step, optimistic and wishing for success.”
The Tunisian Football Federation reported that the evening training last Wednesday witnessed the first participation of Maâloul and his teammate Anis Ben Slimane.
Tunisia will play a friendly match against Mauritania on Saturday, January 6, with the audience present and broadcast on the Tunisian National Channel.
Meanwhile, the match against Cape Verde on January 10 will be held without an audience and without television broadcast.
The Tunisian national team is placed in Group One alongside Mali, South Africa, and Namibia.
The Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, featuring the participation of 24 teams for the third time after the 2019 and 2021 editions.
