Tunisia have decided to move Vancouver Whitecaps striker Rayan Loumi to their Olympic team for the upcoming international break, allowing him to gain more playing time as the under-23 side prepares for its Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Gabon.
The decision was taken by the Tunisian national team’s sports management in consultation with coaches Moine Chaabani and Anis Boujelbane, following an assessment of the player’s situation and the requirements of both national teams.
Loumi was part of Chaabani’s senior squad during the previous international camp, featuring in the group that faced Uganda and Botswana in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the technical and administrative officials have now agreed that the forward would benefit more from joining the Olympic side, particularly as he continues to develop his abilities and establish himself at international level.
The decision is also intended to give the striker additional opportunities to feature in competitive matches rather than remain in a squad where his playing time could be limited.
Tunisia’s management considers Loumi a valuable option for the under-23 team because of his attacking qualities and technical ability. He is expected to strengthen the team’s forward line alongside Omar Ben Ali, who plays for Turkish club Alanyaspor.
The two attackers are among the options Boujelbane’s technical staff will consider as Tunisia prepare for two important encounters against Gabon, with qualification for the continental tournament at stake.
Tunisia prepare for decisive Gabon double-header
The Tunisian Olympic team face Gabon in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, with the two-legged contest scheduled to take place during the November international window.
The first meeting will be played on 12 November at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 local time.
The return fixture is set for 17 November in Franceville, Gabon, where Tunisia will attempt to secure their place in the next stage of the qualification campaign.
The Carthage Eagles reached this round after overcoming Benin 2-1 on aggregate across two matches. They must now get past Gabon to maintain their hopes of reaching the final tournament, which will be hosted by Egypt in 2027.
Loumi’s inclusion is expected to provide another attacking option for the coaching staff as they seek to build a competitive side capable of progressing through the qualifiers.
His experience with Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer could also prove useful as the young Tunisian squad prepares for the challenges ahead.
Tunisia also face crucial Libya fixtures
Loumi’s reassignment to the Olympic team comes at a particularly important moment for the senior national side, who are preparing for their own demanding fixtures in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Chaabani’s team are scheduled to meet Libya twice in the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign.
Tunisia will host their neighbours on 13 November at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium in Sfax before travelling to Tripoli for the return encounter on 17 November.
The two matches carry considerable importance for the Carthage Eagles, who have made a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.
Tunisia were held to a 1-1 draw by Uganda before being forced to settle for another stalemate against Botswana, with the second encounter ending 2-2.
Those results have increased the importance of the upcoming fixtures, with Chaabani’s team under pressure to return to winning ways and improve their position in the qualification race.
Against that background, the decision to send Loumi to the Olympic squad provides an opportunity for the striker to continue gaining international experience while the senior team concentrates on its preparations for the Libya double-header.
The Vancouver Whitecaps forward will therefore begin the next international window with the under-23 side, where he is expected to play a role in Tunisia’s attempt to advance towards the 2027 continental tournament.
