Tunisia delivered a dominant and largely controlled performance to see off Uganda 3–1 in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations encounter played on Monday, 23 December, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat. Deployed in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, the Carthage Eagles combined tactical discipline with attacking flair to outclass a Ugandan side set up in a cautious 4-4-1-1.
From the opening whistle, Tunisia dictated the tempo, pressing high and forcing Uganda into defensive errors. Their early dominance paid off in the 10th minute when Ellyes Skhiri rose highest in the box to head home from a corner, expertly delivered by Hannibal Mejbri. The goal settled Tunisia and exposed Uganda’s vulnerability at set pieces.
Uganda attempted to respond through sporadic counter-attacks, with Rogers Mato and Steven Mukwala testing Tunisia’s back line, but clear chances were limited. Goalkeeper Salim Magoola was kept busy, producing a fine save to deny Ferjani Sassi and later reacting sharply to block efforts from Hazem Mastouri and Elias Saad.
Tunisia’s pressure eventually told again in the 40th minute. A swift transition saw Ali Abdi surge forward from left-back and pick out Elias Achouri, who finished emphatically from the centre of the box to give Tunisia a 2–0 lead at halftime—an advantage that accurately reflected their first-half superiority.
Uganda made tactical changes at the break, introducing Denis Omedi and Travis Mutyaba in search of greater attacking thrust. The changes brought more energy, with the Cranes enjoying brief spells of possession and earning a series of set pieces. However, Tunisia remained compact and disciplined, with Dylan Bronn and Yan Valery marshaling the defence effectively.
The decisive moment arrived in the 64th minute. After sustained pressure, Achouri struck again, reacting quickest inside the six-yard box to slot home his second goal of the night and Tunisia’s third, effectively killing off the contest.
Despite trailing 3–0, Uganda continued to push forward and were finally rewarded in stoppage time. Denis Omedi capitalised on a rare defensive lapse to fire a powerful shot into the top corner in the 90+2 minute, offering a late consolation for the East Africans.
Tunisia nearly added a fourth in the closing stages, with Dylan Bronn’s header and Hannibal Mejbri’s long-range effort both forcing smart saves from Magoola, who emerged as one of Uganda’s standout performers despite the defeat.
Refereed by Patrice Mebiame, the match highlighted Tunisia’s balance between experience and youth, with Achouri and Mejbri central to their attacking play, while Uganda were left to reflect on missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
The result strengthens Tunisia’s position in the group and sends a clear message to their rivals, while Uganda will need to regroup quickly as they seek points in their remaining AFCON fixtures.
