Tunisia’s coach, Sami Trabelsi, has announced his 28-player squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, aiming to maintain consistency while implementing specific changes to enhance the Carthage Eagles’ performance on the continental stage.
The squad welcomes back key midfielders Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri, who were absent in recent matches.
Their return is expected to bring essential balance and creativity as the team prepares to compete against Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania in a tough Group C.
Trabelsi has largely retained the core group from the international fixtures in November, with the goalkeeping lineup remaining unchanged. Aymen Dahmen, Bechir Ben Saïd, Noureddine Farhati, and Sabri Ben Hassen form a stable unit, with Ben Hassen rejoining after missing the Arab Cup due to injury.
In defense, the coach has chosen a mix of stability and strategic additions. Regular starters Yassine Meriah, Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maâloul, and Ali Abdi keep their spots, while Adem Arous and Nader Ghandri return to the national team after missing the Qatar tournament.
Ghandri, who recently impressed with Akhmat Grozny, expressed his pride in being recalled, stating he is “ready to give 100% for Tunisia.”
In the midfield, Trabelsi has kept the structure centered around Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, and Houssem Tka, with Skhiri and Hannibal bolstering the team’s core.
The attacking lineup includes the reliable trio of Elias Saad, Sébastien Tounekti, and Firas Chaouat, with Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, and Seifeddine Jaziri completing a forward line designed for versatility and effort.
Notably absent are players like Layouni and Nacim Dendani, who participated in Qatar but were not selected for the final squad. Trabelsi explained that his selections were based on competitiveness and tactical balance, noting that younger players will be gradually introduced to ensure their long-term development.
With just ten days remaining before the tournament begins, Tunisia is entering its final preparation phase, hoping that the combination of returning stars, defensive solidity, and experienced leadership will propel it deep into the knockout stages.
FULL TUNISIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025 (28 players)
Goalkeepers
Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien)
Bechir Ben Saïd (Espérance de Tunis)
Sabri Ben Hassen (Étoile du Sahel)
Noureddine Farhati (Stade Tunisien)
Defenders
Yan Valery (Sheffield Wednesday)
Mohamed Ben Ali (Espérance de Tunis)
Dylan Bronn (Servette FC)
Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient)
Yassine Meriah (Espérance de Tunis)
Adem Arous (Kasimpasa)
Nader Ghandri (Akhmat Grozny)
Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa)
Ali Abdi (OGC Nice)
Ali Maaloul (CS Sfaxien)
Midfielders
Ferjani Sassi (Al Gharafa)
Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Houssem Tka (Espérance de Tunis)
Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (FC Lugano)
Ismael Gharbi (Augsburg)
Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley FC)
Naim Sliti (Al Shamal)
Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Al Ahly)
Forwards
Elias Saad (Augsburg)
Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen)
Hazem Mastouri (Dinamo Makhachkala)
Sébastien Tounekti (Celtic)
Firas Chaouat (Club Africain)
Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek)
