Ali Boumnijel
Ali Boumnijel is a Tunisian former professional football goalkeeper who works for Sochaux as assistant coach. At international level, he represented the Tunisian national team.
Born in Menzel Jemil, Boumnijel began his career in FC Gueugnon in France, however without playing any games. His first game as a professional footballer came on 20 October 1991 for AS Nancy in a 1–3 loss to AJ Auxerre. Afterwards he returned to his previous team, where he played five seasons, until changing to SC Bastia. He played for Bastia for six years, and then one season at FC Rouen. In 2004, he moved back to Tunisia to play for Club Africain.
In the national team he debuted on 27 November 1991 against Côte d'Ivoire. Having established himself as a competitive goalkeeper he went on to play for Tunisia in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2006 FIFA World Cup. Boumnijel was Tunisia's first choice goalkeeper, and played at the 2004 African Nations Cup where the Tunisia team won. In the semifinals he saved a crucial penalty from Peter Odemwingie to help Tunisia beat Nigeria in a penalty shootout.
Aged 40, he was the oldest player at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Boumnijel has been praised for his great leadership and goalkeeping skills during the World Cup.
