Achouri Double Powers Tunisia Past Uganda In Group C Opener
Tunisia laid down an early marker at the Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3-1 win over Uganda, as Elias Achouri starred with two goals in a polished Group C performance in Rabat.
Tunisia began their AFCON Group C campaign in convincing fashion with a deserved 3-1 victory over Uganda at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, asserting control early and never allowing the Cranes to truly settle.
The North Africans wasted little time stamping their authority on the contest. After sustained pressure from a series of corners, Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring in the 10th minute, rising unmarked to head home Hannibal Mejbri’s delivery and give Tunisia an early advantage.
Uganda attempted to respond with energy and physicality, but Tunisia’s composure in midfield, led by Ferjani Sassi and Skhiri, ensured they dictated the tempo. The breakthrough arrived again five minutes before the break when Elias Achouri finished clinically after being picked out by Ali Abdi, doubling the lead and leaving the Cranes with a mountain to climb at half-time.
Tunisia continued to dominate after the restart, limiting Uganda to speculative efforts while carving out chances of their own. Achouri struck again in the 64th minute, pouncing inside the six yard box to score his second of the night and effectively put the contest beyond reach.
Uganda showed resilience despite the scoreline and were rewarded late on when Denis Omedi pulled one back in stoppage time with a powerful strike from close range, briefly lifting the travelling supporters. However, it proved to be little more than consolation on a night where Tunisia were largely in control.
Salim Magoola was kept busy in the Uganda goal, making several important saves to prevent the score from becoming more emphatic, while Hannibal Mejbri’s creativity and energy stood out in Tunisia’s midfield throughout the match.
The result places Tunisia in a strong position early in Group C and underlines their intent to challenge deep into the tournament. For Uganda, the defeat is a setback, but there were flashes of promise that will need to be sharpened quickly if they are to revive their campaign in the remaining group fixtures.
