Jalal Kadri, the coach of the Tunisian national football team, has sparked significant astonishment with the revelation of the squad set to participate in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
The most notable surprise is the exclusion of Manchester United’s player Hannibal Mejbri from the Carthage Eagles’ lineup, as they prepare for the finals scheduled in Ivory Coast between January 13 and February 11 next year.
Kadri disclosed the final squad list on Thursday, consisting of 27 players, omitting the 20-year-old Mejbri, who plays as a midfielder for the Red Devils.
Speculation surrounding potential disputes between the player and the Tunisian Football Federation arose during the Eagles’ training camp in Japan last November.
The exclusion of Hannibal Mejbri, considered one of Tunisia’s promising talents in the English Premier League, stands out as one of the most significant surprises, especially given that he had been earmarked by coaches and experts to be a star for the Tunisian national team in the continental finals.
The squad Kadri summoned includes 19 professionals from outside Tunisia, with Ali Maâloul from Egypt’s Al Ahly, Ayman Dhman from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hazm, and Wajdi Kechrida from Greek side Atromitos among them.
Notably, the call-up list also features eight players from the Tunisian domestic league.
Speaking at a press conference to unveil the player list, Coach Kadri justified his choices by emphasizing the criteria of physical and technical readiness, along with ensuring a balance between positions, given the intense competition among players in similar roles.
Addressing the unexpected omission of Hannibal Mejbri, Kadri stated, “It is known that he (Mejbri) does not regularly participate with his club, Manchester United.
We spoke to the player, and he confirmed to me that he is facing some difficulties with his club and needs to focus more to regain a starting position in his team.
Hannibal will always remain at the disposal of the national team.”
The announcement of Tunisia’s AFCON squad has ignited discussions and debates among football enthusiasts, with Mejbri’s absence emerging as a central point of interest, adding a layer of anticipation to the upcoming continental tournament.
