Tunisia’s Naïm Sliti Remains Key Player for the Carthage Eagles

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

Tunisia’s Naïm Sliti Remains Key Player for the Carthage Eagles

Naïm Sliti, the 33-year-old midfielder from Tunisia, continues to be an essential player for the Carthage Eagles. Recently, coach Sami Trabelsi included him in a squad of 35 players for upcoming friendly matches. Tunisia will face Mauritania on November 12, Jordan on November 14, and Brazil on November 18 in Lille.

Naïm Sliti’s Impact on Tunisian Football

Sliti has been part of the national team since 2016. He was first recognized by coach Henryk Kasperczak and has since participated in all major international tournaments for Tunisia. To date, Sliti boasts two FIFA World Cup appearances and four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.

Key Achievements

First international match: June 3, 2016, against Djibouti during CAN 2017 qualifiers, where he scored a goal.
Former clubs: Lille and Dijon; currently plays for Al-Shamal in Qatar.
Notable tournaments: AFCON 2004 (champions), AFCON 1965 and 1996 (finalists).
AFCON 2017: Quarter-finals reached.
FIFA World Cup 2018: Finished group stage with a win against Panama (2-1).

Sliti has expressed his ambition of winning the AFCON with his national team. “Even when I was injured and without a club, my goal was always to return and be part of the national squad,” he stated. His role is not just to perform on the pitch but also to support the younger players off it.

Tunisian Football’s Historic Moments

Under Sliti’s influence, Tunisia has achieved significant milestones in international football. The team’s victory against Panama marked their first World Cup win in 40 years, reminding fans of their previous success in 1978 against Mexico.

In the 2019 AFCON, Tunisia reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2004, exemplifying the team’s growth and resilience. Although they were ultimately defeated by Senegal, Sliti’s contributions included scoring four crucial goals during the tournament.

Coach’s Insights

Former coach Alain Giresse recognized Sliti’s experience as vital for the team’s success. He remarked on how the midfielder consistently delivered under pressure, particularly during the quarter-final match against Madagascar, which Tunisia won 3-0, highlighting Sliti’s important role in the team’s preparations.

As Tunisia gears up for its upcoming matches, Naïm Sliti remains a central figure for the Carthage Eagles, exemplifying dedication and experience on both domestic and international stages.