Tunisia captain Ferjani Sassi has issued a fiery statement ahead of the highly anticipated North African derby against Morocco, declaring that the Carthage Eagles will not travel to Fez as passive guests.
The two regional rivals are set to meet in a friendly on Friday, 6 June at 21:30 local time at the Grand Stade de Fez. But despite its classification as a friendly, the fixture carries all the tension and intensity of a competitive encounter, fuelled by deep-rooted footballing rivalry and national pride.
In a bold interview on Tunisian national television, Sassi dismissed any notion that Tunisia would treat the game as a ceremonial affair.
“We’re not going to Morocco for tourism or for a stadium inauguration,” the midfielder declared. “We’re going there to win. They’ll see that Tunisians are real men. We’re coming back with the victory.”
Sassi’s defiant words have added further heat to a fixture already brimming with anticipation.
The match is expected to serve not only as a test of tactical readiness for both sides but as a symbolic showdown in the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Morocco.
Tunisia arrive in Fez with growing momentum following a hard-earned 2-0 win over Burkina Faso earlier in the week.
The result gave Sami Trabelsi’s side a strong start to their June international campaign and instilled a renewed sense of belief within the squad.
By contrast, Morocco, led by head coach Walid Regragui, will be eager to make a statement of their own in front of a home crowd celebrating the unveiling of their newly renovated stadium.
The Atlas Lions will look to combine the occasion’s festive spirit with a commanding on-pitch performance to assert their dominance in the Maghreb.
While the match remains unofficial in status, it is far from insignificant in the eyes of both nations.
North African derbies between Tunisia and Morocco are known for their fierce competitiveness, often transcending the scoreline to reflect broader cultural and sporting pride.
Regragui’s Morocco side, known for their dynamic attacking football and recent continental success, will not underestimate their visitors.
But Sassi’s rallying cry makes it clear that Tunisia do not intend to play a supporting role in the evening’s spectacle.
Beyond the rhetoric, the encounter offers both managers an important opportunity to evaluate their squads ahead of competitive tournaments on the horizon.
Tactical decisions, player chemistry, and psychological resilience will all be under scrutiny in what promises to be a high-stakes rehearsal on an emotional stage.
As the countdown continues, fans across the region are bracing for a spirited contest where friendship may be the formal label, but rivalry will be the ruling sentiment.
For Tunisia and Morocco, Friday’s match is more than just another international fixture—it is a battle for pride, honour, and momentum on the road to greater ambitions.
Capitaine de la Tunisie, Ferjani Sassi 🇹🇳🗣️:
“On va au Maroc 🇲🇦 pour gagner . Ils pensent peut-être que ce n’est qu’un match de gala ou l’inauguration d’un stade rénové .
💪 Mais ils verront que les Tunisiens, ce sont des vrais hommes. On revient avec la victoire. ” pic.twitter.com/8YOl0FNJnO
— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) June 2, 2025
