Venue: Stade Olympique Annexe, Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
Date & Time: December 23, 2025 | 20:00 UTC (01:30 IST)
Tunisia begin their Africa Cup of Nations Group C campaign against Uganda on Monday night in Rabat, as both sides look to make a strong start in a group that also includes Nigeria and Tanzania. For the Carthage Eagles, the opener represents an opportunity to reset after recent AFCON disappointments, while Uganda aim to build momentum and confidence early in the tournament.
Recent Context
Tunisia arrive with a point to prove after a disappointing group-stage exit in the previous AFCON, despite their rich tournament pedigree that includes the 2004 title and four finalist appearances. Uganda, meanwhile, are targeting progress beyond the group stage after reaching the quarter-finals in 2019, signaling growing ambition within the squad.
Team News
Tunisia head coach Sami Trabelsi is expected to rely heavily on Elias Saad, the in-form Augsburg midfielder who has contributed directly to four goals in his last six international appearances. Experienced midfielders Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri have been recalled, though Mejbri may begin on the bench. Defensively, Tunisia are well covered with Yassine Meriah, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maaloul, and Ali Abdi all available, and no major injury concerns reported.
Uganda coach Paul Put has named veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango as his first-choice shot-stopper, providing leadership and experience at the back. Attacking responsibility will fall largely on Allan Okello, while the squad selection emphasizes continuity from recent international windows. Uganda report no suspensions or fresh injury issues ahead of the match.
Probable Lineups
Tunisia (3-5-2):
Dahmen; Meriah, Bronn, Valery; Talbi, Abdi; Sassi, Gharbi, Ouanes; Saad, Mastouri
Uganda (3-4-1-2):
Onyango; Sibbick, Mukundane, Obita; Herbert, Semakula, Aucho, Lorenzen; Ikpeazu, Okello; Mukwala
Recent Form
Tunisia’s warm-up results have been mixed, with a win over Qatar (1–0), a draw against Palestine (2–2), and a narrow defeat to Syria (0–1). Uganda showed similar inconsistency, suffering a heavy loss to Morocco (0–4) before bouncing back with a 2–0 win over Chad.
Head-to-Head & Outlook
Tunisia hold the edge in recent meetings, with a perfect record against Uganda in limited encounters. With greater tournament experience and midfield control, the Carthage Eagles enter as favorites, though Uganda’s counter-attacking threat—particularly through Okello—could test their concentration.
Prediction: Tunisia to control possession and edge the contest, 2–0, to take an early lead in Group C.
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