Uganda Cranes opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a sobering 3-1 defeat to Tunisia, a result that extended the Carthage Eagles’ perfect head to head record against Uganda.
From the outset, Tunisia asserted a physical and tactical dominance that the Cranes struggled to counter.
The early warning signs went unheeded, and Tunisia’s pressure told in the 10th minute in cruel fashion, as a powerful header from Ellyes Skhiri struck the post, only to ricochet into the net, leaving goalkeeper Salim Jamal helpless.
It was a goal emblematic of a difficult half for Uganda, who were literally under siege and battling to gain a foothold.
Despite moments of resilience after the opening goal, Uganda’s defense was breached again five minutes before the break, when a swift Tunisian move ended with Elias Achouri unleashing a sublime first-time volley into the top corner.
The second half offered little in the way of immediate Ugandan response. The midfield battle continued to be dictated by Tunisia, and their control was cemented just past the hour mark.
Another save from the busy Jamal fell kindly to the opportunistic Achouri, who tapped in for his second, extinguishing any lingering hope of a Uganda comeback.
The Cranes, though, showed fleeting glimpses of fight. Denis Omedi, introduced from the bench, provided a spark, seeing one ambitious long-range effort whistle just wide.
He eventually secured a late consolation in stoppage time with a heavily deflected strike, a mere footnote on a night where Uganda were largely outmuscled and outmaneuvered.
The defeat leaves Uganda at the bottom of Group C, and marks a disappointing start that demands immediate introspection.
History offers a faint echo of hope though, as the 1978 Cranes also lost 3-1 to Tunisia in the group stages, before embarking on a legendary run to the final.
All focus to reciprocate that now shifts to Saturday’s 8:30 PM EAT must-win derby against East African neighbours Tanzania, before a daunting final group fixture against Nigeria next Tuesday.
