WCQ: Jalel Kadri Releases Squad For Mali Clash

Appointed interim coach of the Carthage Eagles following the ousting of Mondher Kebaier after Tunisia’s elimination in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2021, Jalel Kadri unveiled on Thursday his list of 28 players selected to face Mali in the World Cup play-offs 2022 on March 25 and 29.

The technician made strong choices by recalling goalkeeper Mouez Hassen and midfielder Ferjani Sassi, two players whose absence from the AFCON had caused a stir.

After a long suspension for “doping”, striker Taha Yassine Khenissi equally makes his comeback. Defenders Nader Ghandri, Mortadha Ben Ouanes and midfielder Saad Bguir also make the team, headlined Wahbi Khazri, Youssef Msakni, Naïm Sliti, Dylan Bronn, Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri.

Several other notable players leave the list as compared to the AFCON list. They include the Ligue 1 duo of Saîf-Eddine Khaoui (Clermont) and Yoann Touzghar (Troyes). Goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha, defenders Omar Rekik, Amine Ben Hamida; and attacking midfielders Hamza Rafia together with Firas Ben Larbi are also among the absentees, as is defensive midfeilder Yassine Meriah, who is still injured.