Tunisia announced their AFCON 2025 intentions in emphatic fashion after sweeping aside Uganda Cranes 3–1 in a high-tempo Group encounter that underlined the Eagles of Carthage’s depth, structure and attacking quality.
A brace from Mohammed Achouri proved decisive as Tunisia seized early control and never truly let go, even as Uganda showed moments of resilience and fight.
The North Africans started on the front foot and nearly found the breakthrough as early as the sixth minute.
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Tunisia overpower Uganda in AFCON 2025 opener
Hazem Mastouri found space inside the box after a slick passing move, but he failed to make clean contact with a well-weighted delivery that had caught the Ugandan defence momentarily flat-footed. It was an early warning that Tunisia were ready to dictate proceedings.
That warning turned into a goal four minutes later. Mohammed Achouri’s teasing cross was initially dealt with by Toby Sibbick, who could only divert the ball behind for a corner.
From the resulting set-piece, former Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri whipped in a dangerous delivery, and Ellyes Skhiri rose unchallenged to head home, giving Tunisia a deserved 1–0 lead in the 10th minute.
Uganda gradually settled after conceding and began to show greater composure on the ball.
They looked to exploit spaces on the counter, but Tunisia’s defence, well marshalled by Omar Talbi and Mohammed Bronn, remained disciplined and alert, snuffing out danger before it could develop.
The Cranes’ intent was clear, yet they struggled to break through the well-organised back line.
The midfield battle was fiercely contested. Uganda’s engine room was led by captain Khalid Aucho, with Jordan Obita frequently stepping in from defence to provide extra cover and balance.
On the opposite side, Tunisia’s trio of captain Ferjani Sassi, Skhiri and Mejbri controlled the rhythm, recycling possession efficiently and pushing Uganda deeper as the half wore on.
Tunisia doubled their advantage in the 40th minute, capitalising on a costly mistake. A poor release from goalkeeper Magoola allowed Tunisia to regain possession high up the pitch.
Quick interplay through the middle released Abdi down the left, and his incisive cross was met first time by Achouri, who finished clinically to make it 2–0. It was a goal that reflected Tunisia’s sharpness and Uganda’s momentary lapse in concentration.
The Eagles of Carthage went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion, having largely dictated the tempo. In response, Uganda head coach Paul Put introduced Travis Mutyaba at the start of the second half in search of greater creativity and penetration in the final third.
Uganda showed improvement after the restart, holding the ball with more confidence and competing well for second balls. However, another defensive error proved costly in the 64th minute. A poor clearance fell kindly for Achouri, who reacted quickest to slot home his second of the night and effectively put the game beyond reach.
To their credit, Uganda continued to fight and were rewarded deep into added time when substitute Dennis Omedi found the net, pulling one back to make it 3–1. While it was little more than consolation, it offered a positive note to end a difficult evening.
The victory sends Tunisia top of the group with three points and a superior goal difference, edging ahead of Nigeria, who opened their campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania. Tanzania sit third, while Uganda bring up the rear as they look to regroup ahead of
their next outing.