Tunisia's AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Chaabani's Bold Changes
Moine Chaabani has wasted no time putting his stamp on Tunisia. For the opening two rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Eagles of Carthage will look and feel very different from the side that went to the 2026 World Cup.
Uganda await on 24 September, Botswana on 28 September. Tunisia arrive with a reshaped core, old leaders restored, and several World Cup names gone.
Sassi and Maaloul Back at the Heart of It
The headline is clear: Ferjani Sassi is back. Once captain during the Africa Cup of Nations and the Arab Cup, the midfielder was left out of the World Cup squad. Now Chaabani has recalled him, turning again to his experience and presence in the middle of the pitch.
He is not alone. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane and Aissa Laidouni also return, meaning three players currently active in the Qatari league are back in the national-team picture. For a side that looked short of control and personality at times on the biggest stage, that is no small shift.
On the left flank, another familiar figure reappears. Ali Maaloul, omitted from the World Cup squad, is restored at left-back. His comeback underlines just how far Chaabani is prepared to move away from recent choices.
One notable absentee is Ali Abdi. The Nice defender does not make the cut, even after apologising for comments that caused a storm in Tunisia, when he said he was ready to skip the World Cup to help his club in the relegation play-offs. The door to the national team stays shut for now.
World Cup Squad Broken Up
The break with the World Cup group is stark. Only 14 players from that campaign survive in this new list.
Hannibal Mejbri misses out through injury. Rani Khedira and Elyes Skhiri have both stepped away from international duty, removing two established midfield options in one go. Around them, the clear-out continues: Firas Chaouat, Dylan Bronn, Omar Rekik, Mohamed Haj Mahmoud, Mortadha Ben Ouanes and Elias Saad all drop out.
The message is unmistakable. This is not a gentle evolution. Chaabani has gone for a reset.
New Blood for a New Cycle
With big names gone, opportunity opens up. Club Africain striker Mohamed Sadok Guidida earns his first call-up, a reward for his rise at domestic level. So does Sami Chouchane of Dijon, another fresh face asked to make the leap to senior international football.
They join a group that blends returnees, regulars and hopefuls trying to nail down a place before the qualifiers gather pace.
The 27-Man Squad in Full
- Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen, Sabri Ben Hassen, Mouhib Chamekh
- Defence: Yann Valery, Moatez Neffati, Adam Arous, Mohamed Nasraoui, Montassar Talbi, Alaa Ghram, Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida, Amine Charni, Ali Maaloul
- Midfield: Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Aissa Laidouni, Hamza Rafia, Sami Chouchane, Ismail Gharbi, Anis Ben Slimane
- Attack: Khalil Ayari, Seifallah Ltaief, Elyes Achouri, Rayan Layouni, Sebastien Tounekti, Hamza Mastouri, Sadok Guidida
Familiar leaders return. New names step into the light. Uganda and Botswana will provide the first real verdict on whether this Tunisian overhaul signals a bold new era or the start of a turbulent rebuild.
