Samy Trabelsi warns Tunisia: ‘AFCON is unpredictable’

Tunisia national team head coach Samy Trabelsi has revealed they will head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco knowing how unpredictable the tournament can be.

The North Africans last lifted the AFCON in 2004 and they will head for Morocco having not conceded a single goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Carthage Eagles will face Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania.

‘In football, anything is possible’

“We’re not here to send messages to our opponents. We have great respect for all of them. I know the continent and the tournament—I’ve been involved as a player, as a coach, and as an assistant in 2010. The message I want to give my players is that in football, anything is possible. If we set our minds to it, we can achieve it,” Trabelsi told CAFOnline.com.

“We got off to a slightly rocky start in the competition “rocky” might be putting it mildly but the results weren’t truly representative. Given the context, the group, the players, and the two coaches involved, who won four matches, three matches, and drew one, there were many issues at federation level, lots of changes. After that, the squad came together, and we found the right path.”

He added: “AFCON is unpredictable. Look at the last edition: Cote d’Ivorie were almost eliminated early, yet they went on to win. There are always surprises. My message to the players is simple: approach the tournament with focus and seriousness. This is a prestigious competition.”

Tunisia aim is at least a top four finish

On their group at AFCON, he said: “They are all nations to be respected. Tanzania is improving, with clubs regularly competing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. They leave a strong impression. They also have a standout player, Ali Samata, an excellent striker who has had a good career in Europe.

“Nigeria remains a continental powerhouse, with a vast pool of talent playing at top European clubs. Uganda is a nation progressing steadily. They had a solid qualifying campaign, even if their World Cup qualifiers were not exceptional. But everyone comes to the AFCON with the goal of going as far as possible, and often, unexpected teams beat stronger sides.”

On what Tunisia want to achieve at AFCON, he said: “The aim is at least a top four finish. But deep down, I believe we can go further. It’s time that our consistent qualifications translate into a trophy.

“Since 1994, Tunisia has missed no AFCON. But now we must turn that consistency into success. We must approach this tournament as genuine title contenders from the first match.”

Tunisia will start their campaign against Uganda on December 23.

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