Humberto Coelho (right) replaces Roger Lemerre as Tunisia coach

The former France coach, Lemerre, replaces his compatriot Henri Michel, who was sacked after the Nations Cup in Ghana earlier this year.

Lemerre has left Coelho with a little to do if he is to lead the Carthage Eagles to the next round of 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Tunisia surprisingly lost their opening qualifier at home to Burkina Faso and are currently second in Group 9 with nine points from four games.

The Stallions lead the group with a maximum 12 points.

On the other hand Lemerre takes over a Moroccan side that is top of Group 8 - albeit on goal difference ahead of Rwanda.

Lemerre's first 2010 qualifier is at the beginning of September when he takes his side to Addis Ababa to play Ethiopia.

On the same weekend Coelho faces what could be a decisive game as Tunisia travel to play Burkina Faso.

Morocco striker Abdessalam Benjelloun, who plays for Scottish Premier League side Hibernian, believes that Lemerre has a lot to offer the Atlas Lions.

"He's a big manager, he has a big history with France and with Tunisia - he's won the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations," he told BBC Sport.

"He's a very good manager for Morocco but I hope that Fathi Jamal stays on the staff, he has lot to give the young boys.

"I also hope when Lemerre arrives we play with more confidence and the fans help us more."