Tunisia's national football team coach, Jalel Kadri, has dropped a bombshell with unveiling the 27-man squad set to represent the Carthage Eagles in the upcoming 2023 Afcon.
The highly anticipated announcement, made on December 28, revealed unexpected inclusions and one glaring omission that has fans and pundits alike questioning the decision-making process.
The squad composition, consisting of 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 7 midfielders, and 8 attackers, seems to follow the conventional structure. Notable regulars such as Aymen Dahmene, Montassar Talbi, Aïssa Laïdouni, and Youssef Msakni have secured their places in the squad, maintaining a sense of continuity from previous campaigns.
However, what has captured the spotlight is the absence of rising star Hannibal Mejbri.
Tunisia is in Group E with Mali, South Africa, Namibia
Below is the 27-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmene, Bechir Ben Said, Mouez Hassen.
Defenders: Ali Abdi, Montassar Talbi, Yassine Meriah, Oussema Hadadi, Ali Maaloul, Hamza Jelassi, Yan Valéry, Wajdi Kechrida, Alaa Ghram.
Milieux: Houssem Tka, Hamza Rafia, Anis Ben Slimane, Aissa Bilal Laidouni, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Ellyes Skhiri, Mohamed Belhadj Mahmoud.
Attaquants: Youssef Msakni, Haythem Jouini, Taha Yassine Khenissi, Sayfallah Ltaief, Bassem Srarfi, Naim Sliti, Elias Achouri, Mortadha Ben Ouannes.