The Carthage Eagles surged to the top of Group C on Tuesday, securing a dominant 3-1 victory over Uganda in a match defined by Elias Achouris clinical finishing and a relentless downpour at Rabats Olympic Stadium.
Looking to bury the ghosts of their 2024 campaign, where they were sent home in the group stages without a single win, the North Africans took control of the pitch early despite the drenched surface.
Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri broke the deadlock in just the 10th minute, rising high to power a header past Jamal Salim after a pinpoint delivery.
The opening goal allowed Tunisia to dictate the tempo, pinning Uganda back into their own half for much of the first period. As the interval approached, FC Copenhagen winger Elias Achouri took center stage to double the lead, showing great composure to guide home a cushioned finish from an inviting Ali Abdi cross.
Achouri continued his masterclass after the break, securing his brace and Tunisias third goal shortly after the hour mark by pouncing on a rebound after Salim had parried a goal-bound strike from Abdi.
Uganda managed to salvage some pride in stoppage time when Denis Omedis hopeful effort took a massive deflection off Tunisian defender Yan Valery to find the back of the net, but it was too little, too late to spark a comeback.
The result sees Tunisia edge ahead of Nigeria on goal difference in the standings, following the Super Eagles 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fes earlier that day. Speaking after the final whistle, Achouri expressed his pride in the performance, noting that the team achieved their objective of starting the tournament with maximum points and a high goal tally.
The stage is now set for a heavyweight showdown this Saturday in Fes, as Tunisia and Nigeria go head-to-head in a match that will likely determine the winner of Group C.
Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania find themselves in a must-win situation as they prepare to clash in Rabat, with both sides desperate to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
For Tunisia, the convincing nature of this opening win serves as a major statement of intent as they aim to carry this momentum deep into the competition.
