Tunisia coach: “A strong start will tip the balance in our favor”

Tunisia will look to strengthen their position at the top of Group H when they host Liberia on Thursday at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, in the seventh round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Carthage Eagles, who have appeared in six World Cup finals, lead the group with 16 points, four ahead of nearest challengers Namibia and six clear of Liberia, with four rounds left to play.

Head coach Sami Trabelsi underlined the importance of a sharp start as Tunisia seek to avoid past slip-ups at home against mid-tier opposition.

“The Tunisian national team has a history of unpleasant surprises whenever we face technically average teams at Rades. This is why tomorrow against Liberia we will aim to find effective attacking solutions that can secure the desired victory and consolidate our lead in Group H. A strong and positive start will greatly increase our chances of tipping the balance in our favor,” Trabelsi said during Wednesday’s press conference according to Assabahnews.

The coach also highlighted the boost of new arrivals Ismael Gharbi and Moetez Nafati, who he believes can solve long-standing issues in key positions.

“I hope the team can rise to expectations, especially in terms of performance, with the addition of players such as Ismael Gharbi and Moetez Nafati. These are important reinforcements in positions that have often posed problems in our style of play. We are working on creating a new version of the team that can deliver better performances in upcoming competitions, while also ensuring a convincing win tomorrow to regain the fans’ satisfaction.”

Trabelsi confirmed both new call-ups will feature against Liberia, stressing that their inclusion was carefully planned.

“Calling up both players was not a coincidence. They have been monitored by the technical and coaching staff for a long time, and we are convinced of their ability to add value. They will play tomorrow, because I personally do not believe in calling up a new player just to keep him on the bench.”

On the absence of youngster Khalil Ayari, who recently joined Paris Saint-Germain and was instead named to the U23 squad, Trabelsi explained:

“Ayari is a talented player with a bright future, but he needs to work harder and show more discipline. I preferred to call him up for the U23 team, where we will keep monitoring him closely. If he earns a place in the senior squad, we will not hesitate to include him in the future. The national team’s doors remain open for any player capable of contributing.”

Tunisia, nicknamed the Carthage Eagles, hope to secure three points ahead of a challenging away fixture against Equatorial Guinea next Tuesday. Historically, they hold the upper hand in head-to-head meetings with Liberia, winning six times, losing three, and drawing twice.

The Liberia game will also mark the debut of Ismael Gharbi for Tunisia, who recently moved from Sporting Braga to Augsburg. The 20-year-old previously represented France and Spain at youth level before committing his international future to Tunisia.

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