Tunisia ended a 12-year wait for an opening victory at the Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3–1 win over Uganda in Group C at Rabat, led by a brace from Elias Achouri.

Match Highlights


Tunisian forward Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring on the 10th minute with a precise header from Hannibal Mejbri’s corner, marking his first international goal since October 2021. Achouri doubled Tunisia’s lead, side-footing home Ali Abdi’s cross inside the box on the 40th minute to put the North Africans in pole position right before half time. On the 64th minute, Achouri struck again, slotting in after goalkeeper Salim Magoola spilled Abdi’s shot.

Uganda’s Denis Omedi grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time via a deflection, which was their only shot on target.

Tactical Notes


  • Tunisia dominated possession and tempo, with Mejbri orchestrating midfield and Achouri clinical in attack.

  • Uganda struggled to create chances, relying on late substitutions (Omedi, Mutyaba) to inject energy.

  • Goalkeeper Magoola kept the scoreline respectable, denying Mejbri and Dylan Bronn with key saves.

Context & Records


  • Tunisia’s first opening-game win at AFCON since 2013, breaking a run of five failed attempts.

  • Uganda remain winless against Tunisia in seven AFCON meetings, with an aggregate score of 19–2.

  • Head coach Sami Trabelsi, who previously guided Tunisia to the 2012 quarter-finals, now has his side top of Group C on goal difference, ahead of Nigeria.

Notable Performances


  • Elias Achouri – Two goals, relentless movement, and clinical finishing.

  • Ellyes Skhiri – Set the tone with an early header, commanding midfield presence.

  • Salim Magoola (Uganda) – Despite defeat, produced several saves to keep the Cranes in contention.

Next Fixtures


  • Uganda vs Tanzania – East African derby in Rabat, Saturday (17:30 GMT).

  • Tunisia vs Nigeria – Group C showdown in Fez, Saturday evening (20:00 GMT).

This victory not only lifts Tunisia’s confidence after their disappointing 2023 campaign but also signals that with Achouri, Skhiri, and Mejbri in form, the Eagles of Carthage are well placed to reach the knockout stages.