Tunisia made a commanding start to their 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a deserved 3-1 victory over Uganda Cranes in a rain-laden Group C encounter played on Tuesday night at the Olympic Stadium in Morocco.
A brace from FC Copenhagen forward Mohamed Elyes Achouri and an early header by Ellyes Joris Skhiri sealed the win for the Carthage Eagles, who dominated large spells of the contest.
Uganda’s consolation goal came late in the game through substitute Denis Omedi of APR FC.
Tunisia wasted little time asserting control and were rewarded in the 10th minute when Skhiri rose highest to head home from a well-delivered corner by Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, giving the North Africans an early lead.
Uganda struggled to cope with Tunisia’s intensity and movement, and five minutes before halftime, Achouri doubled the advantage, tapping in from close range to send Tunisia into the break with a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
Uganda head coach rang changes at the start of the second half, introducing Omedi in place of Jude Ssemugabi in search of a response. While the Cranes showed improved urgency after the restart, clear-cut chances remained limited against a well-organised Tunisian backline.
Omedi eventually pulled one back at the death, his effort taking a heavy deflection after neat interplay involving Allan Okello and Toby Sibbick, but it proved too little, too late to alter the outcome.
The victory sends Tunisia to the top of Group C with three points and a superior goal difference. Nigeria, who earlier edged Tanzania 2-1 in Fes, also sit on three points.
Uganda Cranes will look to bounce back when they return to action on Saturday, 27 December 2025, at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, while on the same day, Tunisia face a stern test against Nigeria in Fes in what promises to be a decisive Group C showdown.
