AFCON 2025: Tunisia sack manager as the Eagles heartbreak triggers axe decision
Tunisia have reportedly parted ways with their head coach following the heartbreaking AFCON 2025 elimination to Mali.
Tunisia have parted ways with head coach Sami Trabelsi following their devastating AFCON 2025 elimination to ten-man Mali, according to a post from African football journalist Gary Al-Smith.
The decision came within hours of the final whistle at the Mohammed V Stadium, where the Carthage Eagles surrendered a late lead and lost on penalties to a Mali side that had played with a numerical disadvantage for over an hour.
The swift dismissal reflects the immense pressure facing the Tunisian federation after a collapse many view as unacceptable for a nation that arrived in Morocco with genuine title aspirations.
Tunisia had dominated large periods of Sunday night’s Round of 16 clash, finally breaking through in the 88th minute when Firat Chaouat headed home what appeared to be the winning goal.
But deep into stoppage time, Yassine Meriah’s handball gifted Mali a penalty that Lassine Sinayoko converted to force extra time. The match eventually went to a shootout, where Tunisia’s nerve failed them, losing 3-2 from the spot.
The manner of the defeat proved fatal for Trabelsi. Surrendering victory to a side reduced to ten men after Wayo Coulibaly’s 27th-minute red card has been deemed inexcusable by Tunisian football’s decision makers.