AFCON 2025: Naïm Sliti recovery boosts Tunisia ahead of continental challenge

Naïm Sliti has allayed concerns over his fitness by returning to full training with the Tunisian national team, offering a timely boost as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

After initial uncertainty caused by a physical problem at the start of the training camp, the experienced midfielder is now fully available and working normally alongside his teammates.

Sliti, who plays his club football with Al-Shamal, rejoined collective sessions on Wednesday, December 17, marking his first full workout with the squad since being named in Tunisia’s AFCON selection.

His recovery comes after a frustrating spell on the sidelines that had forced him to withdraw from the 2025 Arab Cup, raising doubts over whether he would be fit in time for the continental tournament.

For several days, his status remained unclear, prompting speculation around possible replacements.

Names such as Sayfallah Ltaief and Issam Jebali were mentioned as potential alternatives should the medical staff have been forced to rule him out.

In the end, those discussions have proven unnecessary, with Sliti responding positively to treatment and regaining full fitness before Tunisia’s departure for Morocco.

At 33, Sliti remains one of the most experienced figures in the Eagles of Carthage squad.

His availability is particularly significant given his familiarity with the pressures and demands of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The upcoming tournament will be his fifth appearance at the finals, having previously featured in the 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023 editions.

That level of continuity and tournament knowledge is expected to play an important role within a squad blending seasoned internationals with newer faces.

The former Dijon player has long been valued for his creativity, technical quality and ability to unlock tight defences, attributes that Tunisia will be keen to exploit in a competition where margins are often slim.

His return strengthens the attacking options available to the coaching staff and provides added leadership in the dressing room as the opening fixture approaches.

Before heading to Morocco, Tunisia will complete their preparations with a final friendly match against Botswana.

The encounter is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, in Tabarka, where both teams are currently based ahead of the tournament’s start on Sunday, December 21.

The match will be played behind closed doors, allowing the coaching staff to fine-tune tactical details away from public scrutiny.

Attention will then turn to Tunisia’s opening Group C fixture, which sees them face Uganda on Wednesday, December 23, with kick-off set for 8pm GMT.

The Eagles of Carthage are eager to make a positive start after recent tournaments in which early results proved costly, and the availability of a fully fit Sliti adds confidence ahead of that challenge.

With fitness concerns now resolved and preparations entering their final phase, Tunisia head towards AFCON 2025 with renewed optimism, bolstered by the return of one of their most reliable and experienced performers.