The Tunisian Football Federation has summoned striker Mohamed Sadok Kaddida to replace the injured Hazem Mastouri ahead of the two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Libya, on 13 and 17 November.
The news broke on Monday evening: the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) announced the call-up of striker Mohamed Sadok Kaddida as reinforcement, replacing the injured and unavailable Hazem Mastouri. It was Mosaique FM that relayed the federal body’s announcement, just days before the double-header against Libya.
Medical examinations revealed an injury that will prevent Mastouri from taking part in the two matches against Libya, according to the same source. The Tunisian staff therefore had to complete a squad already in preparation.
Kaddida joins the squad on Tuesday
Mohamed Sadok Kaddida will link up with his teammates on Tuesday morning. The afternoon session will bring together all the players, Mosaique FM reports, before the first match.
Preparation got under way on Monday at the annexe pitch of the Taïeb Mhiri stadium, where 22 players took part in the first session. The striker’s arrival therefore completes a squad already at work.
For their part, the Libyan national team is expected in Sfax on Tuesday evening. They will hold two training sessions there before the first match, according to Mosaique FM.
A very tight Group H
Tunisia have two points after their draws with Uganda (1-1) and Botswana (2-2), while Libya have collected just one, according to Mosaique FM. Uganda, already qualified as co-hosts, top Group H with four points, ahead of Botswana (2 points).
In this still-open standings, the two upcoming matches will carry particular importance. The Tunisians nevertheless go into the Libya games on a favourable run: according to footballdatabase.eu, Tunisia are unbeaten in nine consecutive matches against their opponents, since 19 October 2015.
That run says nothing about the outcome of the next matches.
Two fixtures in Sfax then Tripoli
The schedule is now set: Tunisia – Libya on 13 November 2026 in Sfax, then Libya – Tunisia on 17 November 2026 in Tripoli, as part of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
For Kaddida, the FTF call-up offers a chance to be part of the squad while the national team must cope without Mastouri, whose injury details are not specified in the available information.