World Cup 2010

Report: Tunisia Coach Humberto Coelho Sacked After World Cup Elimination

The Portuguese manager will not coach the Carthage Eagles at the African Cup of Nations in January...

Nov 18, 2009 4:53:45 PM

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According to BBC Sport, Humberto Coelho has been sacked because of his failure to achieve Tunisia’s goal of qualifying for their fourth successive World Cup.

After his team’s dismal display against Mozambique in Maputo on Saturday, the Portuguese trainer had indicated his desire to stay on in order to lead the country to the African Cup of Nations in Angola, where he was expected to travel for Friday's draw.

However, the country’s FA barred him from doing so and sent assistant coach Habib Mejri along with a member of the federal bureau to represent the Tunisian delegation.

They have now gone even further by stripping Coelho of his duties as coach after uncovering many faulty decisions he had taken in the lead up to the Carthage Eagles’ decisive match up against the Mambas.

Coelho is set to be replaced by Esperance Sportive de Tunis coach Faouzi Benzarti, a man many Tunisians had wanted to take over after Roger Lemerre’s contract expired.

The move by the FTF has been interpreted by many as a last ditch attempt to prove their legitimacy, but the vast majority of the public are adamant in their belief that more needs to be done in order to ensure that Tunisian football does not take any more steps backwards.

Benzarti, known for his strong personality and offensive approach to the game, was picked to lead the team because it will take little time for him to get acquainted with the players in the squad.

He will be in charge of Tunisia during the African Cup of Nations but will return as Esperance coach once the competition is finished. Whether he serve in both positions after the tournament is not yet clear.

Rami Ayari, Goal.com

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