Chaalali booted out of Tunisia team

Ghailane Chaalali (2-L) fights for the ball with Egypt's Ramadan Sobhi

Thursday Sep 05, 2019. 17:00

Tunisia have kicked Ghailane Chaalali out of their squad for the two friendlies against Mauritania and the Ivory Coast over next days after he arrived late to camp.

It is a strong statement of intent from new coach Mondher Kebaier, who was unhappy Chaalali missed his flight from Istanbul and when he did finally pitch up turfed him out of the squad.

Tunisia meet Mauritania at Tunis’ Zouiten Stadium on Friday in a friendly international, their first outing since the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they reached the semi-finals, and the departure of Alain Giresse.

Kebaier has agreed to allow the Zamalek pair of Ferjani Sassi and Hamdi Naguez stay at their club to play in the Egypt Cup final in Alexandria on Sunday against Pyramids FC.

The new coach called up Club Africain goalkeeper Atef Dkhili and CS Sfaxien right back Hamza Mathlouthi as injury replacement for Moez Ben Cherifa and Wajdi Kechrida respectively.

Tunisia will meet the Ivorians in Rouen, France on Tuesday.