Can Renard revive Tunisia's World Cup campaign?

The footballing world, particularly across Africa, is abuzz with the news that celebrated coach Hervé Renard has been appointed to lead Tunisia's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. The charismatic Frenchman, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, steps into a challenging role following a dismal start for the Carthage Eagles, which saw former coach Sabri Lamouchi dismissed after just one match. This move, while primarily focused on Tunisian football, carries significant weight and interest within Zambia, where Renard remains an iconic figure for delivering the nation's maiden AFCON title in 2012. Renard's return to African club football, after a stint with the French women's national team, signals a renewed focus on continental challenges. His track record speaks volumes: he led Zambia to an improbable AFCON triumph and replicated the feat with Ivory Coast in 2015. This pedigree is precisely what Tunisia's football federation is banking on to navigate a tricky qualification group that includes Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The early setback, a 0-0 draw against Equatorial Guinea, has put immense pressure on the North African giants, making Renard's immediate impact crucial. For Zambian football enthusiasts, Renard's appointment is a reminder of a golden era. His disciplined approach, motivational skills, and tactical acumen transformed the Chipolopolo into continental champions. His departure from the Zambian national team has often been lamented, with many still hoping for a future return. This latest move to Tunisia underscores his enduring appeal and the high regard in which he is held across the continent, often seen as a benchmark for coaching excellence that Zambian football administrators might aspire to replicate in their own coaching selections. The challenge for Renard in Tunisia will be multifaceted. Beyond instilling confidence and tactical discipline, he will need to quickly integrate his philosophy