Tuesday December 23, 2025
- Stade Olympique Annex Sportif Prince Abdellah – 9pm [11pm]
Uganda begin their 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Nations Cup campaign chasing history against Tunisia at the Stade Olympique Annex Sportif Prince Abdellah in Group C on Tuesday.
The Cranes face an uphill task against the Carthage Eagles who they have never beaten in six meetings.
Coach Paul Put and his captain Khalid Aucho expressed readiness for the clash but admit it will be a difficult one.
Nevertheless, Tunisia also don’t have a decent record in their past Afcon matches but Put, who has never won an opening match at the tournament as a coach doesn’t read much into the past.
“I’m not moved by records,” he told Kawowo Sports. “What I know is that Tunisia is a very good side capable of getting results against every team. So, our preparations will be focused on where we can hurt them, not their previous performance,” he added.
The Belgian revealed the team has no injury worries with Jude Ssemugabi, Rogers Mato and Jordan Obita all declared fit and ready to play.
“Rogers Mato, Jude Ssemugabi, Jordan Obita all had issues but we have been working on them in the last few days and I believe everyone is ready, starting with the game against Tunisia.”
Key Players
The North Africans were flawless in the World Cup qualifiers and Sami Trabelsi will hope they build on that good form against Uganda.
Elias Saas who has four goal contributions in his last six appearances for the Carthage Eagles alongside Ellyes Skhiri and ex-Manchester United wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri will be key for the 2004 champions.
Other players Uganda must keep an eye on are Yassine Meriah, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maaloul and Ali Abdi.
For Uganda, forwards Rogers Mato and Allan Okello will be vital but the experienced Denis Onyango and captain Khalid Aucho will be an inspiration to the young squad.
Probable lineups:
Tunisia: Dahmen; Meriah, Bronn, Valery, Talbi, Abdi; Sassi, Gharbi, Ouanes; Saad, Mastouri
Uganda: Magoola; Sibbick, Capradossi, Obita, Kayondo; Semakula, Aucho; Lorenzen, Mato, Okello; Mukwala
Tuesday Afcon fixtures
- DR Congo vs Benin 1.30pm [3.30pm EAT]
- Senegal vs Botswana 4pm [6pm EAT]
- Nigeria vs Tanzania 6.30pm [8.30pm]
- Tunisia vs Uganda 9pm [11pm]
