Tunisia’s 2-0 home defeat by Libya in Sfax on Friday has highlighted years of uncertainty, a lack of long-term planning and limited continuity within the country’s football system.
The result came on the third matchday of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers and leaves Tunisia with just two points from three games. Although the Carthage Eagles had more territory and attempted to impose themselves, their possession produced little threat. They lacked creativity and failed to turn pressure into goals.
Libya, by contrast, were better organised and more clinical. Ali Youssef put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot before Hamdou Elhounine added a second in the second half. The two goals exposed Tunisia’s weaknesses and increased the pressure surrounding the national team.
A structural problem
Former Tunisia international Mohamed Gouaida believes the defeat cannot be viewed as an isolated sporting setback.
“The problem is much deeper than a defeat,” he said, arguing that the national team’s difficulties have developed over time because of the absence of a genuine development policy.
Among the issues are the lack of a long-term sporting project, weaknesses in youth development, difficulties in producing new players, an unclear strategy and continuing instability within the technical staff.
Youth development is one of the most pressing concerns. Tunisia appears to lack sufficient depth in its talent pool, while young players do not always receive the technical and sporting support required to progress through the different stages of their development.
Identifying talented players is only the starting point. Effective development also requires modern coaching methods, properly qualified trainers, suitable facilities, individual monitoring and a clear route from youth football into the professional game.
Without that foundation, successive generations cannot guarantee a qualitative renewal of the national team.
Four coaches in one year
The instability in the dugout is another symbol of the problem. Four coaches were successively involved with the national team in one year, according to the count cited in the assessment, suggesting that decisions have often been driven by immediate results and short-term pressure.
Frequent changes make it difficult to establish a playing identity, develop understanding between players and prepare the next generation. Each coach brings different tactical ideas, selection criteria and expectations, forcing players to adapt repeatedly and risking the loss of work completed under previous regimes.
That does not mean a coach should be protected regardless of results. The issue is the need for a coherent technical framework, clear targets and an assessment process based on a wider sporting plan. Changing the coach after every setback cannot be the principal answer to Tunisia’s footballing problems.
Talent needs a pathway
Tunisia still has players competing in European and African leagues, but individual ability alone is not enough to build a competitive side.
Players must be supported by tactical education, a performance culture, appropriate physical preparation and high standards in domestic competition. Questions also remain over the quality of the Tunisian league, opportunities for young players, working methods in academies and clubs’ ability to prepare footballers for the demands of the modern game.
The defeat by Libya should therefore serve as a warning. Tunisia needs a national strategy covering youth development, infrastructure, professional clubs, coach education and a properly established technical direction.
Objectives must be measurable, with a development timetable and regular evaluation. Tunisia has footballing history, popular support and human potential, but those strengths cannot replace a plan for the future.
Libya will soon play Tunisia again in the fourth round of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. Yet the problems revealed by Friday’s result are unlikely to disappear with one victory. Tunisia needs direction, identity and a lasting sporting project.
