Tunisia Secures Opening Victory at Africa Cup of Nations
Elias Achouri's two goals propelled Tunisia to a decisive victory over Uganda, marking their first opening win at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 12 years during a Group C match in Rabat.
The Eagles of Carthage took just 10 minutes to score, with Ellyes Skhiri heading in from a corner. Achouri doubled the lead five minutes before half-time with a well-placed side-foot volley from inside the box.
Achouri netted his second goal 26 minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a fumble by Ugandan goalkeeper Salim Magoola after Ali Abdi's powerful shot.
In an attempt to turn the tide, Uganda introduced forwards Denis Omedi and Travis Mutyaba at halftime but struggled to create opportunities, only managing to score a consolation goal in added time through Omedi, whose shot took a significant deflection.
This victory positioned Sami Trabelsi's team at the top of their group on goal difference, following Nigeria's 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fes earlier in the day.
Uganda will next face Tanzania in an East African derby in Rabat on Saturday at 17:30 GMT, while Tunisia will meet Nigeria in Fes that evening at 20:00 GMT.
Tunisia Starts Strong
Having failed to secure a win in their previous three matches at the 2023 tournament, Tunisia broke their losing streak by winning their opening game for the first time in six attempts.
In a commanding performance, Eintracht Frankfurt's Skhiri set the tone early, converting Hannibal Mejbri's delivery past defender Aziz Kayondo with precision at the near post.
By the time Achouri scored his first goal in the 40th minute, Tunisia appeared to be in control, with Afcon debutant Elias Saad nearly extending the lead to 3-0 before halftime, only to miss the target with a shot over the bar after a dazzling display of skill in the penalty area.
Achouri's second goal effectively ended the contest, sealing the win for Tunisia.
Aside from Omedi's late goal, the Cranes, who have now lost all seven encounters against Tunisia with an aggregate score of 19-2, relied on Magoola's efforts to keep the scoreline respectable, as he saved attempts from Mejbri and Dylan Bronn.
Uganda's winger Rogers Mato, known for his spectacular goals and strong performances in the North Macedonian league, struggled to make an impact, with his long-range efforts either going wide or being thwarted by Bronn's defensive header.
Head coach Paul Put gave 17-year-old James Bogere his debut after Tunisia's third goal, recognizing the young forward's talent showcased during this year’s Under-17 World Cup, making him the youngest player to participate in the group stage of this year's Afcon.
While Belgian coach Put seeks his first opening game victory at Afcon after four attempts with three different nations, Trabelsi will look to build on this performance, hoping to replicate his success reaching the final as a player in 1996.
With standout performances from Achouri, Skhiri, and Mejbri, Tunisia's prospects for advancing to the knockout stages are looking promising.