The defeat in the first round of the 2023 edition is still in the throat of Tunisian fans. Nearly 20 years after the first coronation in its history at the African Cup of Nations, Tunisia left Ivory Coast with two small points in three matches. An unworthy record for such a nation.
“We had a fairly tough group but this elimination left its mark,” confirms Fares Bahri, a Tunisian supporter who takes care of the NoussourTN media devoted to news of the national selection. Tunisia was used to going far in the last CAN with a semi-final in 2019 and quarters in 2015, 2017 and 2021. So going out like that in the first round did a lot of harm to the Tunisian people. »
It must be recognized that the context was not simple. Despite interesting results, with qualifications for CAN 2025 and the 2026 World Cup, Tunisia was rocked by internal problems when its president, Wadie Jary, was detained on charges of corruption and match-fixing. Worries which are now behind the Tunisians, who have found a little serenity and appeasement.
“Beyond victory, we want commitment”
The results prove it and give cause for optimism. Notably the draw against Brazil in a friendly on November 18 in which the Carthage Eagles asserted their power. “The match reassured us about the level that this team can have,” confirms Fares. But it remains to be seen if the players will put the same commitment and the same desire against all the teams they will face. »
This is the main problem of the Tunisian team. Because although it has talented players, it sometimes relies too much on this ease. “The results are there but the way is sometimes open to criticism,” the supporter regrets. When Tunisia plays against inferior teams, you have the impression that the players will take the match less seriously. Beyond victory, we want manners, desire, commitment. »
The result, however, remains essential. Because the Eagles of Carthage have a standing to regain in this African Cup of Nations. “The coach or the players often talk about semi-finals or quarter-finals,” recalls Fares. As supporters, we would definitely like to win the title. Personally, I think that a semi-final would already be good. But the most important thing is to show a beautiful face. »
Morocco? “A historic rival”
The stakes are all the more important as the competition is being played in neighboring Morocco, and as many Tunisian supporters will make the trip. The enthusiasm is also enormous, with matches already sold out, especially since the elimination of Tunisia in the group stage of the FIFA Arab Cup. “It’s a different group, with players from the local championships, but it was already very well attended. And the CAN is still different,” assures Fares.
A good course and, perhaps, a reunion with Morocco would make the competition even more interesting. “It’s the historic rival, it would be an interesting match, of a very good level,” said the Carthage Eagles fan. We were able to see it in June, even though we lost 2-0, there were some good things. Meeting a rival, who we beat in the 2004 CAN final and who we could meet again at the World Cup, is always nice. » This could happen as early as the round of 16.
