AFCON2025: Uganda aim to scramble past Tunisia in opener

Uganda are making their 8th appearance at AFCON finals.

Tunisia (2004 champions)  are gearing up for their 22nd appearance at AFCON finals.

Pooled in group C that accommodates Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia. 

Uganda senior National team, the Cranes, officially begin their 2025 Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign this Tuesday 23, 2025 in Rabat.

The East African Nation making return at the continental showpiece collide with 2004 winners, Tunisia under the floodlights at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annex. (11:00 PM EAT)

Head to Head

This will be a third meeting at Africa’s flagship event  between Uganda and Tunisia, with the Eagles of Carthage dominating this fixture.

The teams first met as AFCON debutants in 1962 third-play off which ended 3-0 in favor of Tunisia, claiming a bronze medal at their first ever appearance.

They met again in the group-stages of the 1978 tournament, where Tunisia registered a 3-1 victory over the Cranes of Uganda in West Africa.

Managerial Context

Uganda is trained by Joseph Paul Put who is making his fourth appearance at AFCON finals while Tunisia are under the guidance of former International, Sami Trabelsi.

Post-match remarks

Paul Put (Uganda Coach)

“We are very proud to be at this tournament. The infrastructure and organization by CAF have been exceptional. We are not only playing to be watched by Africa, but by the whole world.The team is preparing well and focused on the game. I know my players better now, and they are gradually gelling into a strong side that will compete.”

Khalid Aucho ( Uganda midfielder)

“The team is in good shape and everyone is ready to compete. Many people have not given us a chance, but we are focused on making our nation and the people back home proud.”

Sami Trabelsi (Tunisia Coach)

“For every coach, a competition like this comes with a lot of pride and pressure to do our best because it is a historic event. We want to be part of history. We are in a brotherly country and we are impressed with the infrastructure.
We are happy with the weather, which is similar to Tunisia. Our players are confident, focused, and ready to give their best.

We are playing against quality opposition. The statistics are there, and we have faced challenges ahead of the competition. What we saw recently shows the reality of African football—every team is playing at a high level and can make things difficult.”

Elyes Skhiri (Tunisia Midfielder)

“The squad is in good shape and in condition to deliver a solid performance. We have been together in camp, working hard as a collective to gel and play well.

We know the disappointment of previous editions. Football is always evolving and we cannot rest on our laurels. We must compete to win and not take any team for granted. We have to start the tournament strong. Uganda are no pushovers and will be out to play for a win.”