Trabelsi (Tunisia Coach) on "Lions" vs. Tanzania: "Morocco Doesn't Need Advice; They Are a Good Team with Excellent Players"

Sami Trabelsi, coach of the Tunisian national team, affirmed that local coaches are capable of achieving significant accomplishments at the African level. He highlighted that the last Africa Cup of Nations title was won by a local coach and praised the strength of the Moroccan national team ahead of their match against Tanzania.

Speaking at a press conference before Tunisia's Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash against Mali, Trabelsi stated: "Certainly, some local coaches have excelled at the African level, and the last Africa Cup of Nations title was won by a local coach."

He continued: "For me, there is no issue between local and foreign coaches, but whenever a local coach receives unconditional support, results follow. In Morocco, for example, Walid Regragui earned complete trust after reaching the World Cup semi-finals, which is not easy and not available to everyone at all times."

Trabelsi added: "Unfortunately, in some countries and media outlets, local coaches are excessively undervalued, while many local coaches have performed well and successfully led their national teams, whether in North Africa or across the continent."

Regarding the anticipated match between Morocco and Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, Trabelsi emphasized the readiness of the "Atlas Lions": "The Moroccan national team does not need advice; it is a good team with many distinguished players."

He concluded: "I always say, 'Never underestimate a small opponent in a conflict, for even a mosquito can draw blood from a lion's eye.' Football is not static, and sometimes surprises happen, but the Moroccan national team is strong and has excellent players."