The Tunisian national football team is set to embark on a new journey under the leadership of coach Moez Kebaier as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Their first two matches will be against Uganda and Botswana on September 23 and September 26, respectively, at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès. The team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup and previous international tournaments.
Kebaier has called up a mix of experienced and young players for the upcoming matches. The team includes some of the old guard, such as Ali Maaloul, Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan, and Issa Eidouni, who bring leadership and experience to the squad. This decision reflects Kebaier's desire to utilize the maturity and know-how of these players in navigating high-pressure situations.
The team has been drawn in a group that also includes Libya, with only the top team guaranteed a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Uganda has already secured a spot in the tournament as one of the host countries. Tunisia will be looking to make a strong statement in these matches and get off to a winning start in their qualifying campaign.
The matches against Uganda and Botswana hold significant importance for the team, not just in terms of qualification but also in rebuilding the team's confidence and identity. The fans are eager to see a strong reaction from the team after a series of disappointing results. A good performance in these matches will help alleviate the pressure on the team and provide the coaching staff with a solid foundation to build on.
The team's preparation for these matches has been marked by the inclusion of some new faces, such as Mohamed Nasraoui, Sami Cheushane, and Sadek Keddida, who have impressed with their performances for their clubs this season. This provides an opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and prove their worth in the national team.
Tunisia has a good record against Uganda, having won their last meeting 3-1 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and secure a win in their upcoming match. With 22 appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations, Tunisia has a rich history in the tournament and will be looking to make a strong impression in the qualifiers.
The match between Tunisia and Uganda will be refereed by Mauritanian official Abdoul Aziz Bouh, with his compatriots Hamdine Diabe and Ibrahima Salem Hamad serving as assistant referees. The team will be looking to make a strong start in their qualifying campaign and take the first step towards securing a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- Tunisia begins their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and Botswana.
- Coach Moez Kebaier has called up a mix of experienced and young players for the upcoming matches.
- The team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup and previous international tournaments.