Tunisia and Uganda close Day 3 of AFCON 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium in Rabat, with the Carthage Eagles seeking to erase memories of their dismal 2023 campaign.
Tunisia: Desperate to Make Amends
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was a tournament Tunisia would rather forget. The 2004 champions failed to win a single match, finishing bottom of their group with just two points. For a nation making a record 17th consecutive AFCON appearance, it was an embarrassment.
New coach Sami Trabelsi – a former Tunisia international – has overseen a renaissance. While their AFCON qualifying campaign saw them finish surprisingly behind Comoros, their World Cup qualification form has been imperious: nine victories and a draw from ten matches with a perfect defensive record.
"But everyone comes to the AFCON with the goal of going as far as possible, and unexpected teams often beat stronger sides," Trabelsi warned.
The midfield has been strengthened by the returns of Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), while experienced centre-backs Adem Arous and Nader Ghandri also return. The Carthage Eagles are ranked seventh among the tournament favourites by bookmakers.
Uganda: Youth Meets Experience
Uganda are back at AFCON after missing the last two editions. The Cranes, who reached the final in 1978, arrive with a fascinating blend of youth and experience – epitomised by the presence of both 40-year-old goalkeeper Denis Onyango and 17-year-old striker James Bogere, who impressed at the U17 World Cup.
Belgian coach Paul Put has faced challenges in the build-up. Players briefly boycotted training over unpaid allowances, though the situation has been resolved. "Togetherness and discipline were among my top priorities from day one," Put explained. "For AFCON, I add a stronger will to win – that determination must outweigh the fear of losing."
Midfielder Allan Okello is Uganda's creative spark, while Vipers SC playmaker Travis Mutyaba could prove dangerous. The Cranes, though, have lost their last six matches against Tunisia and struggle against North African opposition, having recently fallen 4-0 to Morocco.
Head-to-Head
This is the first competitive meeting between these nations in 47 years. Tunisia have won all six previous encounters, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one. Their most recent meeting was a 2-0 friendly victory in 2017.
Key Players
Tunisia: Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane
Uganda: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Allan Okello, James Bogere
Predicted Line-ups
Tunisia (3-5-2): Dahmen; Meriah, Talbi, Bronn; Valery, Mejbri, Sassi, Skhiri, Gharbi; Saad, Achouri
Uganda (3-4-1-2): Onyango; Capradossi, Awany, Muleme; Sibbick, Aucho, Semakula, Obita; Mutyaba; Mato, Bogere
Match Details
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT, Tuesday 23 December 2025
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium, Rabat
- Competition: AFCON 2025 Group C, Matchday 1
Prediction
Tunisia's superior quality, experience and favourable head-to-head record should see them through. Uganda's recent troubles and poor record against North African sides makes an upset unlikely. Tunisia 2-0 Uganda