Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles are set to receive their squad lineup for the decisive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, with interim coach Kais Yaacoubi preparing to announce his first list on Thursday. The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) confirmed this eagerly awaited reveal on its official Facebook page.
With Tunisia leading Group A on seven points, this selection has generated high anticipation among fans and analysts alike, particularly due to the choices of Yaacoubi, who recently stepped up from assistant to interim head coach following Faouzi Benzarti’s departure.
Tunisia’s path to qualification will continue in matches against Madagascar and Gambia, fixtures that could seal the Carthage Eagles’ place in the 2025 AFCON if they secure favorable results.
A Season of Mixed Results
Tunisia’s qualifying journey has seen early success tempered by recent setbacks. They began their campaign with strong performances, clinching victories over both Madagascar and Gambia, which positioned them comfortably at the top of their group.
However, the team’s momentum was interrupted in the previous set of fixtures, when they fell to Comoros 0-1 and managed only a 1-1 draw in their second game.
These results have tightened the stakes, and Tunisia now needs to avoid further stumbles to ensure qualification.
“The team knows the importance of these games,” remarked an FTF official, underscoring the high stakes as Tunisia prepares for their final two group matches.
Yaacoubi’s First Selection in the Spotlight
Kais Yaacoubi’s squad list has drawn particular interest, as it marks his debut selection as interim head coach. A former assistant coach, Yaacoubi has firsthand experience with the squad but now faces the added responsibility of making critical decisions on the lineup and strategy.
His choices are likely to reflect his insights gained as Faouzi Benzarti’s assistant, while also adapting to the tactical needs of the upcoming games.
Yaacoubi’s first call-up is expected to retain several core players who led Tunisia through the early stages of qualification.
However, fans are also looking for any new additions or tactical changes that could address the weaknesses exposed in the team’s recent performances.
The lineup announcement on Thursday will give a clear indication of how the coach plans to approach these pivotal matches.
Qualifying Hopes Hang in the Balance
With seven points in the standings, Tunisia has a solid foundation but needs to secure at least a few more points to guarantee qualification without relying on other results.
The pressure on the team is palpable, as they are keenly aware of the importance of these games for their AFCON ambitions.
Fans are particularly eager to see how the team performs against Madagascar, the next challenge, followed by Gambia in their final group match.
Avoiding the errors of previous matches will be crucial for the Carthage Eagles. Any further slip-ups could complicate their journey to the AFCON, a scenario both the players and fans are determined to prevent.
As Yaacoubi readies to reveal his roster, Tunisia’s road to the 2025 AFCON remains in their hands, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Thursday’s announcement will set the tone for what promises to be an intense final phase of the qualifiers, with Tunisia hoping to secure their place among the continent’s best.
