The Tunisian national football team is facing a crisis that reflects deeper issues within the country's football infrastructure.
Political intervention and financial investment are deemed necessary for revitalizing Tunisian football and improving team performance.
The criticism from sports journalists indicates a growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding the team's direction and management.
Without significant changes and investment, the Tunisian national team may continue to struggle in international competitions.
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers will be a critical test for the team, potentially influencing future coaching decisions and player recruitment strategies.
Qais Al-Yaqoubi, the coach of the Tunisian national football team, has called for urgent political intervention to address the deteriorating state of football in Tunisia following a recent 1-0 defeat to Gambia. This loss has raised concerns about the team's performance, even as they have secured a place in the finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Al-Yaqoubi emphasized that the team’s struggles reflect broader issues within Tunisian football, which he claims has been stagnant for years and requires immediate and effective solutions.
Tunisia's defeat allowed Comoros to take the lead in Group A with 12 points, while Tunisia remains in second place with 10 points. Despite the loss, Al-Yaqoubi noted that the team had created several opportunities but failed to capitalize on them, attributing the defeat to a defensive error. He expressed that the national team's current crisis is not solely the responsibility of the coaching staff but requires a strong political will to implement radical changes in the football infrastructure.
The criticism of the national team has intensified, with sports journalist Khalil Belhaj Ali stating that the team has lost its identity and is now an easy target for competitors. Local radio journalist Haider Al-Sharni acknowledged that qualifying for the African Cup of Nations finals is a significant achievement given the current circumstances and the quality of the players available. Al-Yaqoubi also pointed out the challenges of attracting dual-nationality players, highlighting the financial disparities compared to neighboring countries like Algeria and Morocco.
