David GOMBE
Tunisia Vs Uganda (11:00Pm)
Uganda Cranes will kickoff its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against 2004 champions Tunisia in a Group C contest on Tuesday night at the Stade Olympique Annex Sportif Prince Abdellah.
The Cranes will be seeking their first ever victory over the North African side. The two sides have previously met six times but Uganda has never tested victory.
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put who led Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final has confirmed that the trio of Rogers Mato, Jude Ssemugabi and Jordan Obita who had issues are ready for the contest.
“Rogers Mato, Jude Ssemugabi, Jordan Obita all had issues but we have been working on them in the last few days and I believe everyone is ready, starting with the game against Tunisia.” Said the Belgian
Samy Trabelsi, Tunisia Head Coach anticipates a tough contest against the Cranes
“For every coach, a competition like this comes with a lot of pride and pressure to do our best because it is a historic event. We want to be part of history. We are in a brotherly country and we are impressed with the infrastructure.
We are happy with the weather, which is similar to Tunisia. Our players are confident, focused, and ready to give their best.
We are playing against quality opposition. The statistics are there, and we have faced challenges ahead of the competition. What we saw recently shows the reality of African football every team is playing at a high level and can make things difficult.”
Tunisia will look to experienced campaigners like midfielder Elyes Skhiri, who highlights the squad’s preparation and collective focus ahead of the game.
Elias Saas who has managed four goal contributions for the 2004 champions in his previous six matches and ex-Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Yassine Meriah, Dylan Bronn are the other players that Uganda must keep an eye on.
Uganda, meanwhile, arrives with confidence under coach Put, proud to be part of the tournament and determined to compete strongly.
Uganda will look up to experienced players Khalid Aucho, Denis Onyango and Salim Jamal who have been at two AFCON tournaments along with debutants Allan Okello, Rogers Mato and Elio Capradossi, Baba Al Hassan and Aziz Kayondo for inspiration.
Tunisia
Tunisia are making their 22nd TotalEnergies CAF AFCON appearance and their 17th in succession.
Uganda:
Uganda are making their 8th TotalEnergies CAF AFCON appearance and their first since 2019