Tunisia delivered a statement of intent with a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda, showcasing the quality and composure that makes them genuine contenders for continental glory in Morocco.
The Carthage Eagles controlled proceedings from start to finish at the Stade de Marrakech, demonstrating the technical superiority and tactical discipline that has made them one of Africa’s most consistent performers over the past two decades. Uganda, the Cranes, fought bravely but were ultimately outclassed by opponents operating on a different level.
Tunisia’s dominance was evident from the opening exchanges. They monopolised possession, moved the ball with purpose and precision, and created numerous chances through intelligent movement and quick combinations. Manager Faouzi Benzarti will have been delighted with how his side implemented the game plan, controlling tempo and territory whilst remaining defensively solid.
The opening goal arrived through well-worked build-up play that highlighted Tunisia’s technical proficiency. Their midfield orchestrated moves with confidence, finding spaces between Uganda’s lines and exploiting defensive vulnerabilities with incisive passing. Once ahead, Tunisia never looked like relinquishing control.
Uganda briefly threatened a comeback when they pulled a goal back, offering hope to their passionate supporters. The Cranes have developed a reputation for resilience, often making life difficult for supposedly superior opponents through organisation and work-rate. Their goal demonstrated those qualities, capitalising on a rare lapse in Tunisian concentration.
But Tunisia responded immediately, demonstrating the mentality of championship contenders. Rather than panic or retreat, they reasserted their authority and restored their two-goal advantage within minutes. That quick response killed Uganda’s momentum and effectively settled the contest.
Tunisia’s third goal provided the gloss, confirming the comprehensive nature of their victory. By full-time, there was no doubt about which side deserved the points. Tunisia had been superior in every department, from technical execution to tactical awareness to physical conditioning.
For Benzarti, this was precisely the start his team needed. Tunisia arrived at this tournament with expectations weighing heavily. They possess a talented squad featuring players competing at Europe’s highest levels, and anything less than a deep run would be considered disappointing.
The 2004 champions have consistently performed well at AFCON tournaments without quite managing to add to their solitary title. They reached the quarter-finals at the last edition, falling to eventual runners-up Nigeria. This time, they harbour genuine ambitions of going further.
Tunisia’s squad contains quality throughout. Their defence combines experience with athleticism, the midfield offers creativity and control, whilst the attack possesses genuine goal threats. If they can maintain this level of performance, they will trouble any opponent.
Uganda, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to progress from Group C. Defeat in their opener leaves them needing results against Nigeria and Tanzania, both difficult assignments. The Cranes have never won an AFCON title, though they finished runners-up in 1978, and have generally struggled to make significant impact at recent tournaments.
Manager Paul Put will need to rally his troops quickly. Uganda showed glimpses of quality, particularly in their brief period of ascendancy after scoring, but were ultimately outmatched. They must improve dramatically to have realistic hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
The result establishes Tunisia as Group C favourites. With Nigeria labouring to a 2-1 victory over Tanzania earlier on Tuesday, the Carthage Eagles have made the strongest statement of intent. Their clash with Nigeria on Boxing Day promises to be the group’s defining fixture, potentially determining who tops the standings.
Tunisia’s fans travelled in significant numbers to Marrakech, creating an atmosphere that felt almost like a home fixture. The proximity to Tunisia, combined with Morocco’s strong infrastructure and hospitality, has made this tournament particularly accessible for North African supporters. That backing could prove valuable as the competition progresses.
The Carthage Eagles have developed a distinctive identity under Benzarti, combining the technical elegance traditionally associated with North African football with improved physical conditioning and tactical flexibility. They can control possession when required but also transition quickly when opportunities arise.
Uganda must regroup and refocus. The Cranes possess players capable of causing problems, but need to find greater cohesion and composure. Their next fixture against Tanzania offers an opportunity to claim points, though they will enter as slight underdogs against opponents who pushed Nigeria close.
Match details
Tunisia: Ben Said, Talbi, Meriah, Bronn, Kechrida, Skhiri, Laidouni, Ben Slimane, Msakni, Rafia, Jaziri
Uganda: Watenga, Lwaliwa, Semakula, Mujuzi, Muleme, Aucho, Kizza, Lumala, Mato, Bayo, Mukwala
Referee: Bakary Papa Gassama (Gambia)
