Moaz Nasri reveals reason for cancellation of Tunisia vs Mali friendly

Moez Nasri, the president of the Tunisian Football Federation, revealed that the injuries that struck the Tunisia national team were the main reason behind the cancellation of the friendly match against Mali, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 3, at the end of the international break.

Nassiri explained that the list of absentees includes Anis Ben Slimane and Montassar Talbi due to injury, alongside Ismaël Gharbi who is unable to participate due to a suspension imposed on him after his red card in the friendly match against Belgium last June.

The cancellation of the match against Mali comes at a time when the Tunisia national team is going through a difficult phase, having only managed a draw in their first two matches in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 2027. They drew 1-1 with Uganda, before settling for a 2-2 draw against Botswana, collecting only two points from their opening encounters.

These results coincided with a tense atmosphere inside the Tunisia camp, marked by a disagreement between Elias Al-Ashouri and coach Moin Chabani, which ended with the player's exclusion from the training camp, which was concluded early following the decision to cancel the friendly match against Mali.

Despite the criticisms aimed at the Tunisian Football Federation regarding the decision to cancel the match and the atmosphere surrounding the national team, Nasri emphasized that the situation within the group is not as portrayed, stating: "The situation within the team is good and not as many describe it. We know that the results have indeed been disappointing, but the performance will improve soon, and the results will change in the upcoming matches."

The president of the Tunisian Football Federation, elected in 2025, added: "The current atmosphere for the national team is clean, and I hope that we do not get carried away by the circulating news about the team's behind-the-scenes; things have not been as some convey to you."

The president confirmed, during statements to the media on the sidelines of a conference against violence in stadiums in Tunisia on Thursday, that the Tunisian Football Federation has done its part so far in providing the necessary conditions and components for the success of the national team. He pointed out that the results have not been at the required level for several reasons, according to his statements.