The Uganda Cranes began their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a spirited performance despite a 3-1 defeat to Tunisia in their opening Group C match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Facing one of the tournament’s most experienced sides, the Cranes grew into the contest and produced an encouraging second-half display, capped by a late goal from Denis Omedi that underlined the team’s fighting spirit and belief.
Played in heavy rain, the match saw Tunisia take an early lead in the 10th minute through Ellyes Skhiri, who headed home from a corner delivered by Hannibal Mejbri. Uganda responded with increased organisation as the half progressed but Tunisia doubled their advantage shortly before the interval, with Elias Achouri finishing first time from a cross by Ali Abdi.
Head coach Paul Put’s halftime changes brought renewed energy and control, with Denis Omedi and Travis Mutyaba playing key roles as Uganda enjoyed longer spells of possession and applied sustained pressure. The Cranes were unfortunate to concede a third goal in the 64th minute, as Achouri followed up after Jamal Salim had produced a fine save.
Uganda maintained their intensity until the final whistle and were deservedly rewarded in stoppage time when Omedi’s strike took a deflection before finding the net, a moment that lifted the team and supporters alike and provided a positive platform to build on.
Tunisia scored three goals while Uganda scored one. Tunisia’s goals were scored by Skhiri in the 10th minute and Achouri in the 40th and 64th minutes, while Uganda’s goal was scored by Omedi in the 90+2 minute. Uganda recorded 51 per cent possession compared to Tunisia’s 49 per cent, reflecting their improved control, particularly in the second half.
After the match, head coach Paul Put praised the response shown by his players. ‘We improved our intensity and aggression as the game went on. The reaction in the second half was encouraging and this is the level we must start with. We will take the positives from this match and prepare strongly for the next one.’
Following the opening round of fixtures, Group C remains open. Tunisia and Nigeria sit on three points, while Uganda remain within reach of the knockout places. With two matches remaining, the Cranes have a clear opportunity to shape their own path in the group.
Attention now turns to a decisive East African derby against Tanzania on Saturday 27th December 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a fixture that presents an immediate chance for the Uganda Cranes to register their first points of the tournament.
Starting XI’s
Pictorial
