Tunisia call up young talent as Sabri Lamouchi makes coaching debut

Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi has named his first squad for the March international friendlies against Canada and Peru, signalling a clear shift towards youth and renewal.

The list highlights several fresh faces, including Karlsruher SC forward Louey Ben Fahrat and PSG’s rising star Khalil Ayari, both receiving their first senior call-ups.

Established players Rani Khedira joins the squad for the first time under Lamouchi, while Anis Ben Slimane returns to the national setup after a strong run of form.

“This squad represents the start of a new era,” Lamouchi said. “We want to blend experience with the energy of our younger players.”

One of the most notable absences from the squad is Ferjani Sassi, a regular in previous campaigns. By opting for younger, more athletic players and dual nationals, Lamouchi appears determined to rejuvenate the Carthage Eagles ahead of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The selection underlines a strategic shift, as Lamouchi seeks to integrate promising talent while balancing the team with experienced professionals.

Tunisia will face Canada and Peru in friendly fixtures aimed at assessing the squad’s depth and testing Lamouchi’s tactical approach.

Observers have noted that the inclusion of dual nationals could provide the team with increased versatility, while the absence of some seasoned players signals a readiness to experiment with new formations and combinations on the pitch.

As Lamouchi takes charge of his first official matches, fans will be watching closely to see whether the younger talents can adapt to the demands of international football and contribute immediately.

The March friendlies represent a key opportunity for the coach to evaluate options and begin shaping the squad for the road to 2026.