Tunisia coach Moine Chaabani drops Elias Achouri amid dispute

Tunisia head coach Moine Chaabani has reportedly excluded Elias Achouri from the national team squad following a heated disagreement between the player and coach during the Carthage Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

According to reports, Chaabani took the decision after an altercation with Achouri during Tunisia’s second Group H qualifier against Botswana.

The report indicates that Chaabani’s decision was made in agreement with the Tunisian Football Federation, with the matter expected to go beyond the player’s exclusion from the national team camp.

The Tunisian Football Federation is reportedly preparing disciplinary action against Achouri, although further details about the nature and extent of the punishment are yet to be officially announced.

The development comes after Tunisia opened their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with consecutive draws against Uganda and Botswana, leaving the Carthage Eagles still searching for their first victory under Chaabani.

Chaabani took charge of Tunisia after replacing French coach Hervé Renard and has now overseen his first two competitive matches with the national team.

The latest dispute adds further attention to Tunisia’s preparations as the team looks to improve its performances in the qualifiers and build momentum under its new head coach.

Tunisia were also scheduled to face Mali in a friendly during the current international break, but the match was cancelled. Following the cancellation, Chaabani brought the national team’s training camp to an end.

With the Tunisian Football Federation yet to formally announce the disciplinary measures against Achouri, the player’s future involvement with the national team remains a matter to be clarified.