Lamouchi’s future uncertain after Tunisia’s 5-1 W’Cup defeat

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Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi’s job is in the balance as federation chiefs are holding talks following the humiliating 5-1 defeat by Sweden in their opening World Cup match, a source told AFP Monday.

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Lamouchi has only been in charge since January and could be replaced by Mondher Kebaier, who coached the national side from 2019 to 2022.

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Kebaier is with the Tunisian World Cup delegation which is based in Monterrey, Mexico.

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“Discussions are underway between members of the federation,” the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

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He added that a decision “in one sense or the other” should be taken “in the next few hours”.

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Several Tunisian media outlets claimed Lamouchi would be sacked.

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After Sunday’s loss, Tunisia now have a tough task to reach the second stage of a World Cup at the seventh attempt.

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Their remaining group matches are against Japan in Monterrey next Saturday and the Netherlands in Kansas City on June 25.

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Japan drew 2-2 with the Dutch in their opening game on Sunday.

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Former France international Lamouchi, 54, had previous World Cup experience having coached Ivory Coast at the 2014 edition but he resigned after they failed to make the knockout stages.

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Meanwhile, popular football transfer analyst, Fabrizio Romano on his X handle on Monday confirmed news of the sacking in a post.

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He wrote, “OFFICIAL: Tunisia head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been sacked after defeat on World Cup opening game against Sweden. Plans are under way ‌to appoint ‌Mondher Kebaier as the new national team ‌coach on an interim basis, Federation confirm.”

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