The absence of Manchester United talent Hanibal Mokrani from the final roster of the Tunisian national team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in 2024 has sparked extensive debate in the country’s sports community.
Mokrani is considered one of the key players eagerly anticipated by fans for the tournament scheduled to take place from January 13th to February 11th.
Tunisian Coach Clarifies Hanibal Mokrani’s Situation
In a press conference held on Thursday, Tunisian national team coach, Jalal Al-Qadri, confirmed that he had contacted player Hanibal Mokrani before announcing the final squad.
Mokrani, however, revealed that he preferred to stay with his club during this period due to complicated circumstances with Manchester United.
Al-Qadri stated, “Hanibal is a crucial player for us, but we responded to his request because we felt he wasn’t ready for the tournament.
Mokrani confirmed to me that he prefers to leave his spot for another player at the moment, focusing on his future with his club.
Nevertheless, the doors of the national team always remain open to him in the future.”
Ben Othman Traveled Specifically for Him
A source close to the Tunisian national team revealed to “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed” on Thursday that Sports Director Mohamed Slim Ben Othman had traveled to England two weeks ago specifically to meet with Hanibal and assess the possibility of his joining the “Carthage Eagles” squad during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ben Othman discussed the situation of the young Tunisian star with his English club.
The same source added that the Tunisian Football Federation has no dispute with Mokrani, contrary to some media reports.
Romano Ends the Controversy
While Al-Qadri was addressing the media in the press conference, explaining the reasons for Hanibal Mokrani’s absence, renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano posted a tweet on his “X” account, confirming the Tunisian coach’s account.
Romano stated that Mokrani, who is very close to leaving Manchester United on loan during the winter transfer window, after receiving three official offers from Sevilla, Olympique Lyonnais, and Freiburg, won’t participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Romano indicated that all these clubs aim to prevent Mokrani from playing in the tournament so that he remains available to them in January and February next year.
He wrote, “Hanibal will not participate in the Africa Cup of Nations because he may leave Manchester United.
The club’s management continues negotiations with the Tunisian player to renew his contract with the team.
” Mokrani’s contract with United expires on June 30th, 2024.
🔴🇹🇳 EXCL: Hannibal Mejbri, not going to AFCON as he can leave Man Utd to go on loan in January.
Understand 3 clubs want to sign him — they all want him available in Jan/Feb.
🇪🇸 Sevilla
🇫🇷 Olympique Lyon
🇩🇪 Freiburg…meanwhile, talks to extend his #MUFC deal are underway. pic.twitter.com/ZQ8wKbwxNe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 28, 2023
