Tunisia Gears Up for Africa Cup of Nations with Newfound Optimism

The Tunisian national football team is on the cusp of a new era, and no one embodies this fresh start more than winger Naïm Sliti. Since making his debut in 2016, Sliti has been a stalwart for the team, and his passion for the national side remains unwavering. As the team prepares for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, Sliti’s enthusiasm is palpable, despite the rocky road they’ve traversed to get here.

Speaking from the Qatar University training pitch in Doha, where he’s currently playing for Qatari club Al Shamal SC, Sliti reflected on his journey. "It’s always a pleasure to be part of the national team," he said. "Even when I was injured and without a club, I always had it in mind to come back fully and return to the national team. And thanks to God, I came back." This determination is a testament to Sliti’s dedication to his craft and his country.

The team has undergone significant changes, with a new president, management, and coach at the helm. Sliti, now a senior member of the team, has been tasked with helping to manage the group both on and off the pitch. "There have been many changes, but it’s a pleasure to be part of this project," he noted. Despite recent difficulties, the team has started to move forward in a positive direction, and Sliti is committed to maintaining this momentum.

As a three-time veteran of the Africa Cup, Sliti is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. "Tunisia is starting over with a new group, something fresh," he said. "We’re building a beautiful project, and of course, when you go into a competition, you want to win every match, God willing." While he acknowledges that winning the tournament is a lofty goal, Sliti remains hopeful, saying, "It would truly be a dream for me to achieve it with my national team. Now, it’s a very, very difficult goal, but inshallah, why not?"

The Tunisian team’s sights are also set on the 2026 World Cup in North America, with recent victories over Liberia and Malawi boosting their confidence. As they gear up for the Africa Cup of Nations, Sliti’s optimism is infectious. With a newfound sense of purpose and a deep-seated passion for the sport, the Tunisian national team is ready to take on the best of Africa and beyond. As Sliti so eloquently put it, "I believe that, apart from the last Africa Cup of Nations, we have always performed, at least at a decent level." With this mindset, the future looks bright for Tunisian football.