Tunisia made a first-round exit from the Nations Cup Frenchman Henri Michel will remain as coach of the Tunisian national team despite its poor outing at the African Nations Cup.

"There has never been any question of a separation from Henri Michel," said Belhassen Fekih, president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Ftf.

Tunisia were eliminated from Mali 2002 after goalless draws against Zambia and Senegal and a 1-0 defeat by Egypt in the first round.

The early exit was a blow for the side, nicknamed Carthage Eagles, just months before heading to the World Cup in Korea and Japan.

After the team's exit, an inquiry was launched by the Ftf to find out why the team perfomed badly in Mali.

Despite Fekih belief in Michel, the president nonetheless called the team's performance in Mali "disappointing."

He, however, said the Ftf is working in close co-ordination with Michel in the run-up to the global football event.

Michel, a former coach of France and Morocco, began training the Carthage Eagles last November.

Tunisia are drawn against Japan, Russia and Belgium in the first round of the World Cup.(ACONS)