Issam Chaouali says Tunisia need ‘radical solution’ after Botswana draw

Issam Chaouali called for sweeping changes to the Tunisia squad after their disappointing 2-2 draw with Botswana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Tunisia remain temporarily top of Group H with two points, ahead of Libya’s meeting with Uganda on Tuesday.

The result was Tunisia’s second successive draw, following a 1-1 stalemate against Uganda, leaving new manager Mouine Chaabani still waiting for his first victory in charge. The latest match was played at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades.

During his commentary for beIN Sports, Chaouali criticised the current squad and compared it unfavourably with previous generations.

“These players cannot be compared with the likes of Mehdi Nafti, Nabil Taider, Adel Chedli and Chokri Ben Saada,” he said. “Enough of playing with the history of Tunisian football.”

He added: “I am not a specialist, but after all these failures, even if we had won today, most of this team should be released and other players selected. Then we would need to be patient and make sacrifices.

“In the end, the answer is clear from the title: things will not be put right. The current situation is like small doses of oxygen, followed by major breathing problems. We need a radical solution, not temporary painkillers.”

Chaouali also questioned the motives of some players who accept international call-ups.

“Most of the players who join the national team now are only looking to add the status of an international player to their CV, so they can improve their professional opportunities,” he said.

He argued that Tunisia’s performances were so poor that any player could believe they had a realistic chance of being selected.

“Any Tunisian watching this spirit and this weak performance feels they could also join the Tunisia national team,” Chaouali said, pointing out that Botswana are ranked 150th in the world.

His criticism continued after the final whistle, when he described the result as another serious setback for the Carthage Eagles.

“The match in Rades ends in huge disappointment,” he said. “Honestly, even if they gave us another hour, we would not score.

“After taking two points, the Tunisia national team continues its freefall in African football, and reaching the Africa Cup of Nations is now more threatened than ever.”

Chaouali concluded: “Finally, I would say this is a major disappointment, but these are the limits of the available abilities. Reform is needed.”

He insisted that continuing in the same manner would not solve Tunisia’s problems.