Tounekti makes surprising mentality claim after poor result | OneFootball

Sebastian Tounekti has called for a stronger mentality from his national side Tunisia following a poor performance during the international break…

1st March 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic

The Celtic winger featured in their 1-1 draw with Uganda, following on from a poor World Cup from Tunisia.

Tounekti started on the left and played 69 minutes as Tunisia began their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by surrendering an early advantage.

The 24-year-old acknowledged that the appointment of Mouine Chaabani has brought another period of tactical adjustment but insisted that cannot alter Tunisia’s expectations on home soil.

Sebastian Tounekti celebrates his goal. Dundee Utd v Celtic, Premier Sports Cup, Saturday 15 August. Tannadice. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

“It’s a new coach, we’ve been together for two days, so it’s normal that it takes a little bit of time,” Tounekti said. “But when you play at home, you have to win every game.”

He added: “We cannot be afraid when you’re at home in Tunisia. That’s the mentality, you have to be together, and you cannot be afraid.”

James Forrest of Celtic celebrates scoring second goal of the game to make it Celtic 2-0 AC Milan with Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic during the Celtic v AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

It is surprising to hear Tounekti make a claim about mentality given some common misconceptions about him from some Celtic supporters. Clearly he is someone that takes results to heart and wants to do better.

Jota of Celtic scores their team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and theRangers at Celtic Park Stadium on September 03, 2022. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Tounekti will no doubt be eager to get rhythm into his game while on international duty to assist him with his toils at Celtic. The Tunisian attacker has frustrated and it is hoped that he can kick on this season, especially given the return of Jota in the coming weeks.

5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scottish Premiership, St Mirren versus Celtic; Yang Hyun jun of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores in the 68th minute to make it 2-1 to Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

And with Yang returning from the Asian Cup in a few weeks Tounekti may live to regret not making more on an impression on the Celtic coaching staff and indeed the Celtic supporters during the past few weeks when he was given his chance by Martin O’Neill without much success.

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