Mondher Kebaier has been handed the task of reviving Tunisia’s World Cup campaign on interim basis after the Tunisian Football Federation dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi following the team’s heavy opening defeat.
The federation confirmed on Monday that Lamouchi had been relieved of his duties less than 24 hours after Tunisia suffered a 5-1 loss to Sweden in their Group F opener in Guadalupe, Mexico.
“An agreement has been officially reached to dismiss coach Sabri Lamouchi,” the federation said in a statement, adding that Kebaier would take charge on an interim basis for the remainder of the tournament.
The decision follows a disappointing start to the World Cup for the North Africans, who were outplayed by Sweden and now face an uphill task to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Lamouchi had only been appointed in January but was already under pressure after Tunisia’s 5-0 defeat to Belgium in a pre-tournament friendly earlier this month. The former Ivory Coast coach was unable to steady the team, with Sunday’s loss proving to be his final match in charge.
Kebaier now steps into the spotlight with Tunisia needing an immediate response while the side looks to get a new head coach. His first test comes against Japan on Saturday at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, in a match the Carthage Eagles must get a result from to stay in contention.
In the corridors is rumoured that Herve Renard will be managing the team for the remaining of the World Cup.
Tunisia will then wrap up their group-stage campaign against the Netherlands on June 25 in Kansas City and both matches will be broadcast live on GOtv and DStv’s dedicated FIFA World Cup channels – Everything Can Wait.
