Uganda’s AFCON 2025 campaign began on a difficult note after the Cranes fell 3–1 to Tunisia in relentless rain at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. Tunisia’s early dominance, led by goals from Ellyes Skhiri and a brace from Elias Achouri, proved too much for Uganda despite a spirited second-half effort and a late consolation from Denis Omedi.
The result places Tunisia top of Group C after the first round of matches, edging Nigeria on goal difference after the Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 2–1 earlier in Fes. Uganda, who have failed to score in only three of their last eleven internationals, now sit bottom of the group heading into a crucial East African derby against Tanzania.
Tunisia Strike Early in Difficult Conditions
With rain pouring from kickoff, both sides struggled with the slippery pitch, but Tunisia adjusted faster. After sustaining pressure through the opening minutes, the Carthage Eagles broke through in the 10th minute when Ellyes Skhiri rose unmarked to head home a corner delivered by Hannibal Mejbri.
Uganda attempted to push forward through Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba and Steven Mukwala, but Tunisia controlled possession, at one point registering 67 percent of the ball as the Cranes absorbed wave after wave of attacks. A series of defensive clearances from Jaden Obita, Timothy Awany and Kenneth Semakula kept the score at 1–0 as Tunisia dominated territory.
Achouri Doubles the Lead Before the Break
Tunisia continued to create openings, forcing Uganda into hurried clearances and free kicks around the box. The pressure told again in the 40th minute. Ali Abdi delivered a precise cross from the left, and Elias Achouri met it with a controlled right-footed finish to make it 2–0.
Uganda responded with a late push before halftime, carving out half-chances through Mato and Mutyaba, but their shots were blocked as Tunisia carried a comfortable lead into the break.
Second Half: Tunisia Extend the Margin
Uganda started the second half with several tactical changes, introducing Denis Omedi & Travis Mutyaba in search of more attacking presence. The Cranes enjoyed improved possession rising above 54 percent at times and forced Tunisia onto the back foot for short spells.
But just when Uganda appeared to be settling, Tunisia struck again. In the 64th minute, Jamal Salim saved Ali Abdi’s driven effort, but Achouri reacted first, tapping home his second and Tunisia’s third.
Uganda’s attempts to respond included long-range efforts from Mukwala and Omedi, but most were off-target or blocked. Play was repeatedly broken up by fouls, injuries and defensive interventions as Tunisia managed the game expertly, making substitutions to protect their lead.
Omedi Pulls One Back Late
Uganda continued to push in the final minutes and were eventually rewarded. In stoppage time, a promising attack down the right allowed Denis Omedi to unleash a shot that took a heavy deflection off defender Yan Valery before beating the Tunisian goalkeeper.
The Cranes ended with 51 percent possession in the closing stages, but the damage had been done earlier when Tunisia capitalised on loose marking and set-piece threats.
Group Outlook
Tunisia, chasing redemption after their group-stage exit at AFCON 2024, now face Nigeria in what could decide the group winner. Uganda, meanwhile, head into a must-perform fixture against Tanzania, both teams searching for their first points.
