Afif Jebali: Tunisian defender joins Stade Gabesien on free transfer

Tunisian centre-back Afif Jebali has joined Stade Gabesien on a free transfer from Libyan side Al-Anwar. The 26-year-old has signed a deal with the Tunisian club until 30 June 2028, returning to domestic football after several seasons abroad.

Jebali, born in Tunis and standing at 1.90m, arrives with experience in both the Tunisian top flight and the wider region. He moves as a free agent after his stint with Al-Anwar, where he had signed in February 2025 following spells in Oman and Libya.

The defender previously played in Ligue 1 with ES Metlaoui and Esperance, making over 25 league appearances in Tunisia and featuring in the Tunisian Cup and CAF Champions League. His performances early in his career helped him collect silverware with Esperance, winning both the CAF Champions League and the Tunisian league title in the 2018-19 season.

Jebali’s game time across Libya’s Premier League and Tunisia’s top division has seen him accumulate more than 2,000 minutes in each competition, underlining his status as a regular starter at centre-back. A right-footed defender, he brings added height and aerial strength to Stade Gabesien’s back line.

Having also played for Al-Mina’a SC in Iraq and Asaria and Al Bashayer in the Gulf region, Jebali now returns to a long-term contract in his home country with Stade Gabesien, where he will wear the number 5 shirt after completing his move from Al-Anwar.