Uganda’s journey at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations begins tonight with a daunting Group C fixture against Tunisia at the Stade Olympique Annex Sportif Prince Abdellah. Kick-off is scheduled for 11pm Ugandan time.
The Cranes step onto the continental stage aiming to rewrite history, having failed to register a win against Tunisia in six previous encounters. The Carthage Eagles have long been a difficult opponent, and this opening match presents an immediate challenge for Paul Put’s side.
Head coach Paul Put and captain Khalid Aucho say the team is fully prepared despite acknowledging the scale of the task ahead. Put, however, has played down past statistics, insisting that every tournament presents a new opportunity, even as he seeks his first-ever AFCON opening-match victory as a coach.
Uganda have received a major boost on the fitness front, with Jude Ssemugabi, Rogers Mato and Jordan Obita all declared fit and available for selection.
Tunisia arrive with confidence after an impressive run in the World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Sami Trabelsi will be keen to see his side carry that momentum into the tournament, led by in-form attacker Elias Saas, who has been directly involved in four goals in his last six outings. Midfield anchor Ellyes Skhiri and talented playmaker Hannibal Mejbri are also expected to play influential roles for the 2004 champions.
Defensively, Uganda will need to be wary of experienced campaigners Yassine Meriah, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maaloul and Ali Abdi, who bring both stability and attacking threat from the back.
For the Cranes, attacking responsibility will largely rest on Rogers Mato and Allan Okello, while the leadership of goalkeeper Denis Onyango and skipper Khalid Aucho is expected to steady a youthful squad on the big stage.
