Tunisia opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in convincing fashion with a 3-1 victory over Uganda in their Group C clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annex in Rabat on Tuesday.
It was the third AFCON meeting between the two nations, and the Carthage Eagles showed their class from the early stages, extending an impressive run of form that had seen them go seven matches unbeaten before the tournament. Tunisia also came into the competition on the back of a strong international window, including a 1-1 draw with Brazil and a flawless African World Cup qualifying campaign in which they conceded no goals.
Tunisia wasted little time asserting control. In the 10th minute, Ellyes Skhiri rose highest in the penalty area to power a header into the bottom left corner after meeting a well delivered corner from Hannibal Mejbri, giving his side an early advantage.
The pressure continued as Tunisia dominated possession and territory. Their persistence was rewarded again when Ali Abdi delivered a precise left footed cross into the box. Elias Achouri arrived perfectly to strike a composed right footed finish into the top right corner, doubling the lead with a moment of real quality.
Achouri was not done yet. In the 64th minute, the winger reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and squeezed a rebound past Uganda goalkeeper Jamal Salim to make it 3-0 and effectively put the contest beyond reach.
Uganda managed a late response when Denis Omeldi scored a consolation goal in the second minute of added time, but it did little to alter the overall balance of the match, which Tunisia controlled for long periods.
The result gives Tunisia a strong start to their Group C campaign. They will next face Nigeria on December 27, while Uganda will look to bounce back when they take on Tanzania in their next group fixture.
