Tunisia marked their return to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a resounding 3-0 victory over Uganda in Rabat, ending a 12-year wait for an opening win in the tournament.

The Eagles of Carthage took the lead in just 10 minutes through a header from Ellyes Skhiri, capitalizing on a well-delivered corner. Elias Achouri then doubled their advantage five minutes before halftime, expertly slotting the ball home from inside the box.

Achouri, playing for Copenhagen, continued his impressive form, securing his brace in the 74th minute after Uganda goalkeeper Salim Magoola could only parry Ali Abdi’s powerful shot. The goal effectively sealed the win for Sami Trabelsi’s side.

Despite introducing fresh legs in the form of Denis Omedi and Travis Mutyaba at the break, Uganda struggled to create clear-cut chances. Omedi did manage to pull one back in added time, but the goal came with a significant deflection, offering little consolation.

The win propels Tunisia to the top of Group C on goal difference, following Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Fes. Uganda will now face Tanzania in an East African derby on Saturday (17:30 GMT) in Rabat, while Tunisia will take on the Super Eagles in Fes that same evening (20:00 GMT).

This victory represents a significant turnaround for Tunisia, who had failed to win any of their three matches at the 2023 Afcon. Skhiri’s early goal set the tone for a dominant performance, with the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder guiding Hannibal Mejbri’s cross past Aziz Kayondo.

Achouri’s first goal, a composed finish in the 40th minute, further solidified Tunisia’s control. Afcon debutant Elias Saad came close to extending the lead before halftime, but his attempt sailed over the bar.

Uganda, who have now lost all seven of their encounters against Tunisia by an aggregate score of 19-2, found themselves largely restricted. Goalkeeper Magoola was called into action to deny Mejbri’s long-range effort and a header from Dylan Bronn.

The Cranes’ winger, Rogers Mato, known for his spectacular goals for Vardar in North Macedonia, was unable to replicate that form, firing wide and seeing another attempt blocked by Bronn. Head coach Paul Put handed a debut to 17-year-old James Bogere, who impressed at the recent Under-17 World Cup, making him the youngest player to feature in this year’s group stage.

While Put is still searching for his first opening Afcon win in four attempts with three different nations, Trabelsi will be encouraged by this display. He previously led Tunisia to the 2012 Afcon quarter-finals and recently secured their qualification for the World Cup.

With Achouri, Skhiri, and Mejbri in such fine form, Tunisia will be confident of mounting a serious challenge and progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE