Tunisia coach Trabelsi emphasizes mental strength ahead of Mali clash

Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi did not mince words about his team’s performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of Saturday’s Round of 16 clash against Mali in Casablanca.

“We are not satisfied with the team’s overall performance and results in this tournament, and we hope to show our true colors against Mali,” the former Eagles of Carthage defender said in comments recorded by La Presse.

Supporters from the North African nation have not been shy about expressing their disappointment following the group stage. After a positive start against Uganda with a 3-1 victory, they fell to a 2-3 defeat against Nigeria before allowing Tanzania to come back and draw 1-1 in their Group C finale.

A rare group stage exit at the 2023 edition has supporters fearing that the standard of their national team is not improving after some worrying results.

Tunisia qualified out of perhaps the easiest group in 2026 World Cup qualifying from the African region, and even played Brazil to a surprise 1-1 draw in a friendly in mid-October. However, they then fell to a group stage exit at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup followed by the underwhelming group stage performance at the ongoing competition in Morocco.

Which explains Trabelsi’s bluntness ahead of a clash against a very talented Mali side. But there is another important reason for the coach’s call for maximum focus…the recent encounters between the teams. The teams played to a 1-1 draw at the 2023 edition and also faced off in a two-legged duel for qualification to the 2022 World Cup, which Tunisia narrowly won 1-0 courtesy of a crucial defensive mistake by defender Moussa Sissako.

Of course, there is the controversial 1-0 Mali victory that occurred at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when referee Jerry Sikazwe blew his full time whistle early.

“Mali is a great football team and has high-quality players both technically and physically. The match will be decided by certain details and mistakes, and there won’t be many opportunities, but the key is to exploit them. We will try to produce a more consistent game,” said Trabelsi.

“I understand that people are not satisfied with the performance, but we haven’t been that bad. We’ve qualified for the Round of 16 and our performances will gradually improve. There could be some great matches and even eliminations; the main thing is to progress in the tournament and we hope to succeed both in terms of our play and in qualifying for the next round.”

While Nigeria exploited the weaknesses of the Eagles of Carthage, which include a lack of pace in the midfield and defensive units, there is potential in this team which suggests they can do well against Mali.

Midfield maestro Hannibal Mejbri continues to show signs of growth as well as precise set piece deliveries. Left back Ali Abdi and central defender Montassar Talbi also highlight a strong defensive unit that will hope to show their best when it matters most.

Trabelsi also revealed that he will stay with goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen despite a couple of poor performances against Nigeria and Tanzania:

“The psychological aspect is very important for the goalkeeper, because his mistakes are always visible, just like those of the defenders. Dahmen is a great goalkeeper and I hope he will rediscover the same performance he showed during the World Cup qualifiers.”

The intent is clear from the coach. If Tunisia is to succeed against Mali, they will have to keep things close and prevent the match from opening up where their opponents will hold the advantage due to their superior pace. Tunisians will be watching closely to see if their coach can succeed in his objective of advancing via a tactical battle where his team’s experience can shine.