The Mt Kenya Times 
Coach Sabri Lamouchi
By Norman Mwale
“Results at this level are non-negotiable. A 5-1 defeat is not acceptable for Tunisia.”
The Tunisian Football Federation has dismissed national team head coach Jalel Kadri with immediate effect following a humiliating 5-1 friendly defeat to Sweden in Solna, a result that has intensified scrutiny over the team’s preparations ahead of World Cup qualifying. The federation announced the decision on Monday morning, stating that the heavy loss exposed “tactical, physical and mental shortcomings” that could not be ignored with competitive fixtures approaching.
Tunisia entered the match hoping to build confidence after a mixed run of results, but instead suffered their worst defeat in three years. Sweden scored three times before half-time and added two more in the second half, while Tunisia’s only response came through a late consolation from Youssef Msakni. The performance drew sharp criticism from supporters and pundits, many of whom questioned the team’s organisation, pressing intensity and defensive transitions.
In a brief statement, the federation said the executive committee had met overnight to review the match and decided a change was necessary to “restore credibility and competitiveness”. “Results at this level are non-negotiable,” the statement read. “A 5-1 defeat is not acceptable for Tunisia. We thank Jalel Kadri for his service and commitment, but the team requires a new direction.” Kadri, 52, had been in charge since January 2022 and led the Carthage Eagles to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, but his tenure ended amid growing dissatisfaction over style of play and squad selection.
Speaking to reporters before news of his dismissal broke, Kadri accepted responsibility for the result but defended the broader project he had been building. “We played against a strong Sweden side and we were punished for our mistakes,” he said. “One match does not erase two years of work. I believe in this group of players. However, I understand that in football the coach is always the first to be held accountable.”
Players were subdued after the final whistle, with captain Aïssa Laïdouni admitting the team had failed to meet expectations. “We are professionals and we must accept the criticism,” Laïdouni said. “Sweden were better in every department. We cannot concede five goals and expect to keep the coach. Now we must focus on what comes next and show a different face when the qualifiers begin.”
Swedish head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson praised his side’s efficiency but acknowledged Tunisia’s struggles. “We played well and took our chances, but I also saw a Tunisia team that looked short of confidence,” Tomasson said. “International football punishes you quickly if you are not compact. I wish the Tunisia players and staff well for the future.”
The federation has appointed assistant coach Maher Kanzari as interim manager while it searches for a permanent replacement. Kanzari will take charge of the next training camp, with World Cup qualifying matches scheduled to resume in September. Federation president Wadie Jary said the priority now was stability and restoring belief within the squad. “We have talented players and a proud footballing history,” Jary said. “This defeat must serve as a wake-up call. The new coach, whoever it is, will be expected to build a team that competes with identity and discipline.”
Analysts in Tunis said the decision was inevitable given the scale of the defeat and the proximity of qualifiers. “Tunisia cannot afford to enter World Cup qualifying with doubts about leadership,” said former international Radhi Jaïdi. “The 5-1 scoreline is not just a number. It reflects deeper issues around mentality and preparation. A change gives the players a chance to reset.”
For Tunisia, a nation that has qualified for six World Cups and expects to compete at the highest level in Africa, the heavy loss to Sweden has become a turning point. As the federation moves quickly to appoint a successor, the immediate challenge for Kanzari and the players will be to rebuild confidence and prove that the 5-1 night in Solna was an aberration, not a definition of this team.
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