Mouine Chaabani demands Tunisia change after Libya defeat

Mouine Chaabani has criticised Tunisia’s mentality after their 2-0 home defeat by Libya left them at the bottom of Group H in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The result at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium in Sfax on Friday means Tunisia have still not won a match in the group. They drew 1-1 with Uganda and 2-2 with Botswana in September, surrendering the lead in both games.

At the halfway stage of the qualifiers, the Carthage Eagles have two points from three matches. They are two points behind Libya, who occupy the second and final qualifying position in the group.

Chaabani, who took charge at the end of July, said his players needed to change their approach or the team’s problems would continue, regardless of who was in the technical area.

The former successful Esperance de Tunis and RS Berkane coach’s comments came after another difficult period for Tunisian football. The Red and Whites were eliminated in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco at the start of January before being knocked out of the World Cup in June in the first round, having failed to collect a single point.

The latest result also means the changes in the coaching position have yet to produce an improvement. Sami Trabelsi, Sabri Lamouchi and Herve Renard all previously struggled in the role before Chaabani’s appointment.

Chaabani’s message was intended to provoke a response before Tuesday’s return match against Libya in Tripoli. Tunisia now face a crucial fixture and cannot afford another setback if they are to remain in contention for qualification.

Ali Maaloul and his team-mates must produce a result in Tripoli to avoid falling further behind their opponents. Libya’s victory in Sfax has given them a significant advantage in the race for the second qualifying place.

Tunisia have appeared at every Africa Cup of Nations finals since 1992. Failure to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 34 years would represent a major blow to Tunisian football.

With the team still seeking its first win and the return fixture already carrying decisive importance, Chaabani’s warning also reflected the scale of the challenge facing Tunisia. The coach suggested that a change in personnel alone would not resolve the situation if the players did not address their attitude and performances.