Tunisia has made an excellent start to the African Cup of Nations. The team of national coach Sami Trabelsi was too strong for Uganda 3-1 in Rabat. Ellyes Skhiri and Elias Achouri (2) scored for Tunisia, which leads Group C together with Nigeria. Nigeria defeated Tanzania earlier in the day (2-1).
After less than ten minutes of play, Tunisia had taken its desired early lead. Hannibal Mejbri swung a corner kick to the far post, where Skhiri’s header proved too powerful for goalkeeper Salim Magoola: 1-0.
Tunisia had very little to fear from Uganda, which was hardly involved offensively. Tunisia dominated completely and we had to wait for the 2-0, which came five minutes before half-time. Ali Abdi laid the ball down for Achouri, whose volley fell wonderfully.
There was no more tension after the break. The thousands of spectators in the stands were not really entertained either. Tunisia saved its strength for the coming matches, while Uganda was simply not a match for Tunisia in terms of quality.
One of the few chances for Tunisia in the second half immediately made it 3-0. Defender Jordan Obita turned the bet right in front of the nose of dolman Magoola, who seemed to be hindered and could do nothing about Achouri’s tap-in: 3-0.
Tunisia failed to score a fourth goal in the final phase, and even ran into a 3-1 scoreline in injury time. Denis Omedi fortunately scored through a Tunisian leg: 3-1. Tunisia can now focus on the next group match, on December 27 against Nigeria. Uganda will take on Tanzania on the same day.
For national coach Ronald Koeman, the Africa Cup is a great opportunity to determine the strengths and weaknesses of Tunisia. The North Africans will be the opponent of the Dutch national team at the 2026 World Cup on June 26 in Kansas City, Missouri.
