Africa Cup Of Nations 2025 | Tuesday | Group C
- Tunisia Vs Uganda – 11 pm [ EAT]
Uganda Cranes return to Africa’s biggest football stage on Tuesday night, carrying belief and quiet ambition as they open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tunisia in Rabat.
The Stade Olympique Annexe at the Prince Abdellah Sports Complex provides an immediate reality check.
Tunisia are seasoned campaigners, but for head coach Paul Put, the moment is about opportunity, not intimidation.
“This is a big platform,” Put said on Monday. “AFCON is watched all over the world. The players are motivated and ready.”
A return with purpose
Uganda’s AFCON history is rich but distant. Their finest run came in 1978, when they reached the final, losing 2–0 to Ghana.
Since then, progress has been limited. A 2–0 win over DR Congo at AFCON 2019 remains their only victory at the finals since that era.
Now back in Morocco, the Cranes are eager to change the script. This squad blends experience with youthful energy, targeting at least a repeat of the 2019 round of 16 finish and hoping for more.
Preparation was not seamless. Administrative issues and travel delays affected some foreign-based players.
Still, Uganda became the first team to enter camp, settling in Casablanca on December 8.
Put believes the early start paid off.
“We used that time to build cohesion and sharpness,” he said. “I’m satisfied with how ready we are.”
Put unfazed by Tunisia record
Tunisia present a familiar hurdle. The Carthage Eagles have beaten Uganda in all six previous meetings, but Put dismissed the weight of history.
“I’m not moved by records,” he said. “Tunisia are a good team, but we focus on what we can do, not the past.”
African champions once, in 2004, Tunisia arrive with strong World Cup qualifying form, nine wins and a draw but their AFCON record has dipped.
They exited at the group stage in 2023 and have managed just one win in their last ten AFCON group matches.
Put respects their quality, but sees room for belief.
“We respect them, but we believe in ourselves,” he said.
Experience to lean on
Captain Khalid Aucho anchors that belief. The defensive midfielder brings calm authority, with 72 caps and two previous AFCON appearances to his name.
Behind him stands Denis Onyango. At 40, the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper remains Uganda’s emotional backbone.
With 82 caps and 44 clean sheets, his presence offers reassurance on AFCON’s biggest stage.
Creatively, Allan Okello carries Uganda’s attacking spark. The Vipers SC midfielder, impressive at CHAN 2024, will be key in linking midfield to attack and unlocking stubborn defences.
Fitness boost and focus
Put confirmed that Rogers Mato, Jude Ssemugabi and Jordan Obita have all shaken off minor knocks and are available. Any concerns over a missed training session were quickly shut down.
“What matters is unity and focus,” Put said.
The coach also praised Morocco’s organisation, describing the facilities as excellent and saying Uganda were proud to be part of AFCON 2025.
Tunisia first, then the rest
With Tanzania and Nigeria also waiting in Group C, Uganda know the opener could shape their tournament.
Tunisia may carry pedigree, but Put believes AFCON rewards belief as much as reputation.
“The first game sets the rhythm,” he said.
On Tuesday night, the Cranes return to the spotlight, ready to find their beat.
Tunisia possible starting lineup
Ahymen Dahmen, Yassine Meriah, Dylan Bronn, Yan Valery, Ali Abdi, Ferjani Sassi, Ismeal Gharbi, Hannibal Mejbri, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Elias Saad, Hazem Mastouri
Uganda possible starting lineup
Dennis Onyango, Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradosi, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Alhassan Baba, Khalid Aucho, Melvyn Lorenzen, Jude Ssemugabi , Allan Okello, Rogers Mato
