Tunisia have sacked head coach Sami Trabelsi just one day after their exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The decision followed a dramatic last-16 defeat by Mali, despite Tunisia playing against 10 men for most of the match.
Tunisia took a late lead in the 88th minute but conceded a stoppage-time penalty, allowing Mali to force extra time and eventually win on penalties. The loss ended Tunisia’s Afcon campaign in disappointing fashion.
The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed that Trabelsi and his coaching staff had their contracts ended by mutual agreement. The 57-year-old had returned for a second spell in charge last year, having previously stepped down in 2013.
Tunisia finished second in their group after beating Uganda, losing to Nigeria, and drawing with Tanzania. Trabelsi admitted after the Mali defeat that the result caused huge disappointment and said he took responsibility as coach.
