Uganda Cranes launch their campaign in Group ‘C’ of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) from 11pm tonight (Kenyan time) against Tunisia at the Olympic Stadium in the capital Rabat.
The match will be preceded by another Group ‘C’ match between Tanzania’s Taifa Stars and Nigeria at Complexe Sportif de Fes in north eastern Morocco from 8.30pm. No team opens a major championship lightly, but few are asked to scale a climb this steep from the first whistle.
Tunisia have dominated Uganda in past meetings, winning all five previous meetings, and arrive in Morocco as one of Africa’s most consistent Afcon nations. This is Tunisia’s 17th consecutive appearance at the finals. Uganda, by contrast, are returnees – back after missing the last two editions – and are still shaping identity rather than defending reputation.
Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles, under coach Sami Trabelsi, bring experience, structure and European pedigree. Winners in 2004 and regulars in the knock-out rounds, Tunisia are instinctively at ease with the rhythms of tournament football. Their most recent win over Uganda, a 2-0 friendly in 2017, underlined a familiar hierarchy.
And yet, Afcon openers have a habit of throwing surprises. They are often the most awkward fixtures of all – shaped by nerves, pressure and the weight of expectation. A positive result can lift a campaign; a slow start can turn everything else into survival football. For Uganda, that context matters. After playing Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria are up next. Momentum, once lost, is difficult to recover in a short group phase. Uganda’s coach, Paul Put understands the margins. The Belgian has spoken consistently about organisation, discipline and belief – the pillars he believes can keep Uganda competitive against more fancied opposition.
“Togetherness and discipline were among my top priorities from day one,” Put said in the build-up. “For Afcon, I add a stronger will to win. That determination must outweigh the fear of losing.”
Tunisia will look to control the centre early. Midfielders Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri offer energy, composure and intelligence, and will demand constant attention from captain Khalid Aucho and whoever partners him. Uganda, meanwhile, will seek moments rather than dominance. Allan Okello’s ability on the ball and from set pieces is one possible outlet.
Tanzania’s meeting with Nigeria carries not only group-stage significance but also deep historical meaning for Tanzania, who are still searching for their first-ever victory over the Super Eagles in competitive football. Tonight’s meeting will be the second between the two nations in an Afcon group-stage match, with the first dating back 46 years. On March 8, 1980, Nigeria edged Tanzania 3–1 in a Group ‘A’ fixture played at the Lagos National Stadium.
Since then, the two sides have not crossed paths again at this stage of the continent’s premier football competition until now.
Despite the long gap, the rivalry has been rekindled intermittently through qualification campaigns for both Afcon and the Fifa World Cup, encounters that have largely favoured the West African giants.
Tanzania and Nigeria have met five times in all competitions, with Nigeria winning three matches, while two ended in draws. Taifa Stars will be seeking their first victory against the Super Eagles in Morocco tonight.
The most recent meetings came during the 2017 Afcon qualification campaign. The first leg, played on September 5, 2015, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, ended 0-0. However, Nigeria won 1– 0 in the return leg on September 3, 2016, on home ground to progress.
Earlier encounters also include the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Taifa Stars earned a credible 1–1 away draw in Nigeria on December 6, 1980, before suffering a 2–0 defeat in the return leg at the National Stadium, now known as Uhuru Stadium, in Dar es Salaam.
As the two sides prepare to face off once again, the stakes could not be higher for Tanzania, which are eager to make a positive start in what has been widely described as a challenging Group C.
Speaking ahead of the match, Taifa Stars interim head coach Miguel Gamondi expressed confidence in his squad, insisting the players are mentally and physically ready for the challenge.
“We know it will not be easy because Nigeria are among the strongest football nations on the continent,” said Gamondi.
“But I believe in my players. They understand what is at stake, and they are ready to give everything for the country. We have prepared well, taken all necessary precautions, and we will play with determination and discipline.”
Team captain Mbwana Samatta echoed his coach’s sentiments, dismissing any notion of fear as Tanzania prepare to face a side boasting a rich AFCON pedigree.
“It is an open fact that we are facing tough opponents,” Samatta said. “But we are here to compete, not to make up numbers. Every player knows what Tanzanians expect from us. We are playing for the national flag, and we are ready to fight until the last drop.”
The Taifa Stars camp has been buoyed by high morale and a strong sense of unity, with players aware that a positive result against Nigeria would significantly boost their chances of progressing from the group.
Group C action continues later tonight when Tunisia take on fellow East African representatives Uganda at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 11:00pm East African Time.
