Tunisia finally put an end to a long run of opening-match frustration at the Africa Cup of Nations by producing a convincing display against Uganda in Group C in Rabat.
Tunisia finally put an end to a long run of opening-match frustration at the Africa Cup of Nations by producing a convincing display against Uganda in Group C in Rabat.
The breakthrough arrived quickly. Ten minutes were enough for the Eagles of Carthage to move in front when Ellyes Skhiri met a corner delivery and directed his effort goalwards, the ball crossing the line despite a desperate defensive attempt.
Control rarely left Sami Trabelsi’s team, and the advantage was doubled shortly before the interval. Elias Achouri reacted sharply inside the area, steering a composed volley beyond the goalkeeper to reward sustained pressure.
A third strike followed after the restart, and again Achouri was involved. Salim Magoola could not hold Ali Abdi’s driven attempt, allowing the Copenhagen attacker to convert from close range and effectively settle the contest.
Uganda attempted to alter the flow of the game by introducing Denis Omedi and Travis Mutyaba at half-time, yet chances remained scarce for the Cranes.
Their first accurate effort did not arrive until stoppage time, when Omedi found a way through with a heavily deflected finish that reduced the margin but changed little in the overall narrative.
Despite the scoreline, Magoola prevented further damage with key interventions, denying long-range attempts and aerial efforts as Tunisia continued to threaten.
Head coach Paul Put also handed a senior debut to 17-year-old James Bogere following the third goal, recognising the teenager’s performances at the recent Under-17 World Cup.
The victory lifted Tunisia to the top of Group C on goal difference after Nigeria edged Tanzania earlier in the day.
Uganda now turns their focus to a regional clash with Tanzania in Rabat on Saturday, while Tunisia prepares for a demanding evening encounter against Nigeria in Fes.
For Trabelsi, the performance offered encouragement that his current squad can progress beyond the group stage, echoing earlier successes from his previous spells with the national side.
With influential figures such as Achouri, Skhiri, and Hannibal Mejbri delivering strong displays, Tunisia have given themselves a promising platform for the remainder of the tournament.
