The Tunisian national football team, also known as the Carthage Eagles, are determined to put their disappointing 2026 World Cup experience behind them and start fresh. In a press conference held before their training session on Monday evening, midfielder Issa Laïdouni acknowledged that their World Cup participation was underwhelming and led to significant disappointment among Tunisian fans. He emphasized that the team needs to regain their footing and move forward with a positive mindset.
Laïdouni stressed that all parties involved with the national team must work together to alleviate pressure on the players and provide support during this challenging period. He highlighted the importance of winning their upcoming match against Uganda, stating that it would help restore the team's morale and reputation. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 20:00 at the Radès stadium as part of the first round of qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Laïdouni, who missed the last World Cup, expressed his excitement to rejoin the team and contribute to their success. He emphasized his pride in wearing the national jersey and vowed to give his best performance. Meanwhile, defender Montassar Talbi noted that the effects of their World Cup participation are still felt among the players, but they are eager to move forward and focus on the African qualifiers.
Talbi called on his teammates to concentrate on their upcoming matches and strive for excellence to overcome their past disappointments. He expressed confidence that the team can make a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Forward Sadok Ghdida described being called up to the national team as a great honor and highlighted the team's blend of experience and ambition.
Ghdida emphasized the team's determination to put their World Cup disappointment behind them and begin their continental qualifiers on a winning note. On the training front, Monday's session was attended by 20 players, with some new arrivals joining the team later. Ismaël Gharbi, Sami Chouchane, Yan Valery, and Amine Cherni joined the group directly from the airport.
Two more players, Elias Achouri and Sebastian Tounekti, are expected to join the team on Tuesday to prepare for their matches against Uganda and Botswana. The Carthage Eagles will face Botswana on Monday in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, also at the Radès stadium. The team is looking to regroup and refocus after a tough World Cup campaign.
The Tunisian team's journey to redemption begins with their match against Uganda, and they are eager to demonstrate their capabilities on the continental stage. With a mix of experienced and ambitious players, the Carthage Eagles are poised to make a strong impact in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Their fans will be eagerly watching their progress.
Key points
- The Tunisian national team aims to overcome their World Cup disappointment and start anew.
- The team faces Uganda in their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.
- The Carthage Eagles are determined to restore their morale and reputation with a strong performance in the qualifiers.
