Jalel Kadri Exits Tunisia Following Dismal 2023 AFCON Outing

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Adesina David

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May 14, 2023
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Jalel Kadri has resigned from his position as manager of Tunisia, following the country's elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kadri is said to be one of the first Tunisian coaches to become manager of the Carthage Eagles without needed credentials.

Jalel Kadri was made manager of Tunisia on January 23, 2024, replacing former boss Mondher Kebaier, who exited the team after contracting Covid-19.

The 52-year-old's first game as head coach of the North African nation was a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations encounter against Nigeria.

Kadri guided the team to a victory over the Super Eagles, before Tunisia subsequently crashed out in the quarter-final, following a 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso.

Jalel Kadri took charge of 27 matches as manager of the Carthage Eagles, winning 14, drawing 7, and losing 6.

The Tunisian tactician also guided his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, following a 1-0 aggregate win over Mali.

Kadri's side also failed to deliver at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as they crashed out in the group stage.

Despite the country's poor outing at the tournament, Jalel Kadri was given room to remain as boss of Tunisia until 2024.


Reports indicate that the 52-year-old's exit has an inclination to corruption allegations which he is investigated for coupled with a lack of professionalism.

Kadri has managed several clubs in his career, including; Libyan club Al-Ahli SC, United Arab Emirates side Emirates Club, CA Bizertin, and Al-Khaleej.

Tunisia have won the Africa Cup of Nations title once in their history, and they were expecting an impressive outing in the 2023 edition.

Unfortunately, they were bundled out of a group that included; Mali, South Africa, and Namibia.

Speaking following his departure from the Tunisian national team, Jalel Kadri said:

“The defeat against Namibia in the first match affected us psychologically, and we shouldn't have lost."

He added that the Carthage Eagles improved their performance against Mali and South Africa, however the North African country “were not efficient in attack”.

“My mission as the head of the Tunisian national team is now over. This is my decision and in my contract”.

Anyway, Tunisia will hope to improve significantly in upcoming matches, with the national team schedule to play against Equatorial Guinea and Namibia in their 2026 World Cup qualification matches.

The Carthage Eagles have performed impressively in the qualifiers, picking up 2 wins out of 2, and they sit 1st in Group H with 6 points, an equal number of points as second-placed Equatorial Guinea, who have been superb so far at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Managerialess Tunisia should be able to navigate their way past a group that houses Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, and Sao Tome and Principe.

There is also the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in view, where they can also strive again for the continental crown.