Tunisia Names Expatriate Squad for Early 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
Tunis — Tunisia coach Georges Leekens has unveiled a preliminary squad featuring 18 expatriate players based in Europe ahead of the upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The squad will face Botswana on September 6 and Egypt on September 10, marking the critical start to Tunisia’s campaign to reach the continental tournament in Morocco next year.
The list notably includes two debutants, Yoann Touzghar of RC Lens and Mouscron winger Anice Badri. Touzghar, who also has Moroccan heritage, will make his first international appearance after impressing with his performances in Ligue 2. Meanwhile, Badri has been in fine form in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, scoring three goals in just four matches this season.
Another key inclusion is the return of striker Hamdi Harbaoui, who is making a comeback to the national side after a lengthy absence since the 2013 AFCON. Harbaoui currently plays for Qatar SC, and his return is expected to bolster Tunisia’s attacking options.
The squad reflects a wide geographical spread of Tunisian talent, with players plying their trade across top leagues in France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Turkey, Belgium, Qatar, Romania, and Bulgaria. Among the prominent names are:
Yassine Chikhaoui and Amine Chermiti (FC Zurich, Switzerland), both influential midfielders known for their creativity and goal-scoring ability.
Wahbi Khazri (Bordeaux, France), a versatile forward with experience in Ligue 1.
Jamel Saihi (Montpellier, France) and Sami Allagui (Hertha Berlin, Germany), who provide solidity and options in midfield and attack.
Anis Ben Hatira (Hertha Berlin) and Fabien Béchir Camus (Evian), offering depth and experience in midfield roles.
Defensive stalwarts such as Aymen Abdennour (AS Monaco, France), Bilel Mohsni (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), and Yohan Benalouane (Atalanta, Italy) who are tasked with shoring up Tunisia’s backline.
Other noteworthy players include Wissem Yahia (Gaziantep Buluksehirspor, Turkey), Syem Ben Youssef (Astra Giurgiu, Romania), and forwards Hamza Younès (Ludogorets Razgrad, Bulgaria) and Issam Jemâa (Al Sailiya, Qatar).
Tunisia will hope that this experienced and well-travelled group can build on their strong qualifying campaign to secure a spot in the 2015 AFCON. The North African nation has a proud history in the competition, having won the tournament in 2004 and regularly qualifying since then.
Coach Leekens, a Belgian tactician with extensive international coaching experience, has emphasised the importance of team cohesion and tactical discipline as Tunisia prepare to face tough opposition in Botswana and Egypt, both of whom pose significant challenges.
The final squad selection is expected to be confirmed in the days leading up to the qualifiers, with Leekens likely to call upon a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents to navigate the early stages of qualification.
