History Meets Ambition: Tunisia, Uganda Renew AFCON Rivalry in Crucial Group C Clash at 11pm

Tunisia and Uganda will lock horns on Tuesday night at the Stade Annexe Olympique, Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, as both sides seek a strong start to their Group C campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Scheduled to kick off at 11:00pm Uganda time, the encounter marks the third AFCON meeting between the two nations, reviving a rivalry that stretches back more than six decades. With valuable points at stake, both teams are keen to make an early statement in a group expected to be highly competitive.

A Look at the History

The two sides first met at the 1962 Africa Cup of Nations, where Tunisia went on to claim the bronze medal after winning the third-place play-off. Their paths crossed again in the 1978 tournament during the group stage, with the North Africans securing a 3–1 victory.

Tunisia’s most dominant performance against Uganda came during the 2000 AFCON, when they recorded a resounding 6–0 win on home soil. While history largely favors the Carthage Eagles, Uganda arrive in Rabat determined to write a new chapter.

Tunisia Carry Expectations

Tunisia come into the fixture under the stewardship of head coach Samy Trabelsi, fully aware of the weight of expectation that accompanies one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations. This tournament marks Tunisia’s 22nd AFCON appearance and their 17th consecutive qualification — a testament to their enduring pedigree on the continental stage.

Speaking ahead of the match, Trabelsi emphasized both the pride and pressure associated with the competition.

“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,” Trabelsi said. “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.”

Despite Tunisia’s strong record, the coach was quick to caution against complacency, noting the rising competitiveness of African football.

“We are playing against quality opposition. The statistics are there, and what we have seen recently shows the reality of African football — every team is playing at a high level and can make things difficult.”

Midfielder Elyes Skhiri, one of Tunisia’s most experienced campaigners, echoed the need for focus and unity as the tournament gets underway.

“The squad is in good shape and ready to deliver a solid performance. We have been together in camp, working hard as a collective,” Skhiri noted.

“We know the disappointment of previous editions. Football is always evolving and we cannot rest on our laurels. Uganda are no pushovers and will be out to play for a win.”

Uganda Target a Strong Return

Uganda, meanwhile, return to AFCON for the first time since 2019, making their eighth appearance at the continental showpiece. Under head coach Paul Put, the Cranes arrive with renewed belief and a determination to compete despite being widely viewed as underdogs.

Put praised CAF’s organization and expressed pride in guiding Uganda back onto Africa’s biggest football stage.

“We are very proud to be at this tournament. The infrastructure and organization by CAF have been exceptional,” Put said. “We are not only playing to be watched by Africa, but by the whole world. The team is preparing well and is fully focused on the game.”

Uganda captain and midfield enforcer

Khalid Aucho reinforced the team’s hunger to defy expectations and represent the nation with pride.

“The team is in good shape and everyone is ready to compete. Many people have not given us a chance, but we are focused on making our nation and the people back home proud,” Aucho said.

What’s at Stake

With Group C expected to be tightly contested, Tuesday’s clash could prove pivotal in shaping qualification prospects. Tunisia will aim to assert their experience and tournament pedigree, while Uganda look to announce their return with a disciplined and fearless performance.

As history meets ambition in Rabat, both sides know that a positive start could set the tone for their AFCON journey.