CAN 2025 – Tunisia: Achouri and Saad doubtful for Mali clash

Two key Tunisia players uncertain ahead of Mali showdown

Achouri/@CAF

Tunisia head coach Sami Trabelsi may find himself facing a selection headache when it comes to choosing his wingers.

Both Elias Achouri and Elias Saad are sidelined with injuries sustained during the match against Tanzania, and both players are set to undergo further medical tests on Friday to determine whether they’ll be fit for the upcoming game.

Elias Achouri has started three times at this CAN, netting a brace against the Cranes, while Elias Saad only featured in the opening Group C fixture.

So, for the quarter-final clash against Mali in CAN 2025, scheduled for this Saturday, January 3, 2025 at 19:00 GMT, the Carthage Eagles’ coach may be forced to rethink his tactical plans.

Should the absence of this duo be confirmed, he could opt to start Sebastien Tounekti and Naim Sliti out wide, while once again placing his trust in Hazem Mastouri up front.

Tunisia finished second in Group C with 4 points to reach the round of 16, defeating Uganda (3-1), drawing with Tanzania (1-1), and narrowly losing to Nigeria (3-2).