Concerns arise over five players as Tunisia prepares for African cup qualifiers

The coaching staff of Tunisia’s national football team, led by Faouzi Benzarti, has voiced concerns over the recent performances of five players during domestic league matches.

These underwhelming displays have raised doubts about their potential inclusion in the upcoming training camp ahead of the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros on October 11 and 15.

The players’ performances, particularly in attacking and wing positions, did not meet expectations, prompting Benzarti, along with his assistants Kais Yaakoubi and Othman Najjar, to reassess their options.

The coaching team indicated that Ferjani Sassi and Raqi El Awani from Etoile du Sahel, Hamza Khadhraoui from Club Africain, Youssef Al-Abdelli from Espérance de Tunis, and the young Omar Ben Ali from CS Sfaxien, failed to deliver the impact required in their recent appearances.

In contrast, Bilal Ait Malek, the newcomer to Club Africain, has emerged as a potential candidate for the national team.

His impressive performance in a match against Jeunesse Omran has significantly boosted his chances of donning the national jersey in upcoming international challenges.

Ait Malek showcased his abilities in his debut match for the team, displaying promising skills that have made him a notable candidate for a national call-up.

His strong start has caught the attention of Benzarti, who is keen to bolster the squad with players showing hunger and consistency.

The Tunisian national team currently tops Group A and is looking to strengthen its position in the upcoming third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers.

Benzarti intends to rely on a balanced strategy that combines both experience and youth, aiming to extract maximum value from the talent at his disposal.

As of the September 2024 FIFA rankings, Tunisia holds the 30th spot globally, maintaining a solid standing among African teams.

Benzarti’s goal is to ensure that the team’s lineup is well-equipped to maintain its competitiveness, while also injecting fresh energy into key areas.

The upcoming qualifiers are crucial for Tunisia, and the selection decisions made in the next few weeks will play a vital role in their pursuit of securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations.