Tunisia coach Mouine Chaabani drops Ilyes Achouri from squad after heated exchange

Tensions have increased inside the Tunisia camp after head coach Mouine Chaabani decided to end Ilyes Achouri’s involvement with the national team.

According to Tunisian newspaper Al Shorouk, the Tunisia manager took the decision after a heated discussion with Achouri during the current international camp. The report also says the player has been given a disciplinary punishment in addition to being removed from the squad.

Achouri, who is listed as playing for San Diego, will therefore take no further part in the camp.

The decision comes as Tunisia’s results have been inconsistent during Chaabani’s first period in charge. The Tunisia technical staff subsequently cancelled a planned friendly against Mali, which had been scheduled for 3 October at Rades Stadium.

Tunisia have drawn both of their opening matches in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, with the two games played at home against Uganda and Botswana. They have two points and sit third in the group, level with Botswana.

The national team has also been experiencing a wider decline in form. Tunisia lost all three of their matches at the World Cup.

The Tunisian Football Federation dismissed Sabri Lamouchi as head coach of the Carthage Eagles after the team’s first match at the tournament. His compatriot Herve Renard then took charge of the side.

Following the World Cup, Tunisia appointed fellow Tunisian Mouine Chaabani as their new head coach.