Trabelsi names 28-man Tunisia squad for 2025 AFCON as Skhiri and Hannibal return

Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi has announced his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, maintaining continuity while reinforcing key areas as the Carthage Eagles prepare for a demanding tournament in Morocco.

The squad sees the important return of midfield duo Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri, both of whom missed recent international fixtures. Their inclusion restores balance, energy and creativity to a Tunisian midfield that will be central to their campaign in Group C, where they face Uganda, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Trabelsi has largely retained the team that featured in November, with the goalkeeping unit unchanged. Aymen Dahmen, Bechir Ben Saïd, Noureddine Farhati and Sabri Ben Hassen form a settled group, with Ben Hassen back after missing the Arab Cup through injury.

In defence, the coach has opted for stability. Yassine Meriah, Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maâloul and Ali Abdi all keep their spots, while Adem Arous and Nader Ghandri return after missing the Qatar tournament. Ghandri arrives in strong form after an impressive spell with Akhmat Grozny, expressing his pride at being recalled and his readiness to “give 100% for Tunisia.”

The midfield core of Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane and Houssem Tka is retained, strengthened by the returning Skhiri and Mejbri. In attack, Trabelsi has gone for consistency and versatility, selecting Elias Saad, Sébastien Tounekti, Firas Chaouat, as well as Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri and Seifeddine Jaziri.

Notably absent from the squad are Layouni and Nacim Dendani, who featured in Qatar but have not been selected. Trabelsi noted that competitiveness and tactical balance guided his decisions, adding that younger talents will be eased in gradually.

Tunisia now move into their final preparation phase, hopeful that their blend of experience, structure and returning quality can push them toward a deep run in Morocco.

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