Tunisia opened their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 journey with a clear, confident win, beating Uganda 3–1 in Group C at the Stade Olympique de Rabat. It was a strong display built on an early set-piece strike, a composed first half, and a clinical brace from Elias Achouri. Uganda fought to the end and found a stoppage-time goal, but the points — and the message — belonged to the Carthage Eagles.

A fast start in Rabat sets the tone

Kickoff came at 8:00pm on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, and Tunisia wasted no time. In the 10th minute, Ellyes Skhiri rose from a corner to head in the opener. It was simple, sharp, and it mattered. An early goal relaxes a team, especially on opening night. It also tells the opponent, we are here to control this match.

That header did more than change the score. It set the rhythm. Tunisia could now pick their moments and move the ball with patience. Uganda had to chase more, and that created space for Tunisia’s front line to attack.

“That Skhiri header wasn’t just 1–0 — it was a warning shot to Group C.”

Elias Achouri shows Tunisia’s cutting edge

With the base set, Tunisia turned pressure into goals. Just before the break, Achouri made it 2–0 in the 40th minute. That goal was a hammer to Uganda’s hopes right before halftime. It meant Tunisia could manage the second half on their terms.

When Achouri struck again on 64 minutes, the contest felt done. A brace on opening day is not just about numbers. It builds belief in a player and a team. Achouri looked confident, direct, and hungry. For Tunisia, seeing a forward in rhythm this early is gold.

• 10′ — Skhiri (Tunisia) header from a corner, 1–0
• 40′ — Achouri (Tunisia), 2–0
• 64′ — Achouri (Tunisia), 3–0
• 90’+2′ — Omedi (Uganda), 3–1

“Achouri looks like a tournament closer — two chances, two daggers.”

Uganda’s late reply: Omedi keeps fighting

To Uganda’s credit, they did not fold. Denis Omedi struck in second-half stoppage time (90’+2). It was a clean finish and a reward for late effort. While it did not change the result, it matters for morale. It also reminds Tunisia there is work to do on full-time focus if they want clean sheets.

A late goal like this can be a small spark. Uganda will remember it when they prepare for the next game. The belief that they can score — even late — is fuel for the rest of Group C.

“Uganda found a punch at the end — now they need the first punch next time.”

What Tunisia’s 3–1 means for AFCON 2025 Group C

Openers are about points and tone. Tunisia got both. Three goals, three points, and a +2 goal difference is a strong return. In group play, margins matter. A fast start eases pressure, lets coaches rotate if needed, and gives the squad calm energy.

There is also the message to rivals: Tunisia can score from set pieces and in open play. They can strike early, keep control, and manage leads. That mix wins group stages. The next matches will bring new tests, but this was the kind of start every coach wants.

Tactical takeaways: set pieces, width, and game control

Set-piece edge: Skhiri’s header on 10 minutes shows Tunisia’s planning at corners. Good delivery, good movement, and a committed run. In tournament football, these moments are priceless.

Timing of goals: Scoring before halftime (40’) and just after the hour (64’) put the game out of reach. The first changes the team talk. The second takes the air out of a chase.

Game management: At 2–0 and then 3–0, Tunisia chose control over chaos. They protected the middle, picked safe passes, and waited for smart openings. That calm is a sign of experience.

Uganda’s response: The late Omedi goal shows willingness to play to the last whistle. Turning that late surge into earlier momentum will be the task ahead.

Standout performers

Elias Achouri: A brace on day one is headline stuff. He found space, finished with purpose, and gave Tunisia the killer edge they needed.

Ellyes Skhiri: The midfielder’s early header did more than score; it tilted the game. Leaders show up in big moments, and this was one.

Why this opener matters

AFCON group stages can be tight. One strange bounce here, one late goal there, and the table shifts. Tunisia’s win brings clarity. They have points in hand and a goal cushion. They also have a clear attacking reference in Achouri and a reminder that their set pieces are a weapon.

For Uganda, there is no need to panic. The first match can be the hardest, especially against a team that scores early. The late goal is a positive. Now the task is to start faster, keep concentration on set pieces, and turn effort into points.

What comes next

Tunisia will look to build on control and finishing. Keep the back line steady, feed Achouri, and attack dead balls with courage. If they stick to those basics, they will be a tough out in Group C.

Uganda will chase a reset. Win more first contacts on corners, close the box quicker, and push for that first goal. They showed heart at the end. Now they need to bring that spark from minute one.

Openers do not decide tournaments, but they shape them. Tunisia’s 3–1 does exactly that — it builds belief, adds goals to the bank, and sets a clear standard for what they want to be in AFCON 2025.