Tunisia have parted ways with head coach Sami Trabelsi following their painful elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic Round of 16 defeat to Mali on Saturday.
The decision was taken after the Carthage Eagles failed to capitalise on spending most of the contest with a numerical advantage, eventually bowing out on penalties against a determined Mali side.
Tunisia had snatched a late lead in the 88th minute at the Mohammed V Stadium but were unable to hold on, with the match going to a shootout despite Mali being reduced to ten men.
Trabelsi, 57, was dismissed just hours after the final whistle. He had only taken charge in February 2025 and had recently overseen Tunisia’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Despite that achievement, Tunisia’s failure to manage the game and secure progression at AFCON proved costly. Reports suggest the Tunisian Football Federation moved quickly following the elimination, deciding that a change on the bench was necessary.
The federation is now expected to begin the process of appointing a new head coach as it seeks to stabilise the national team and shift focus toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
