Tunisia secure comfortable victory over Uganda in AFCON opening match

A brace from Elias Achouri guided Tunisia to a straightforward 3-1 triumph against Uganda in their first fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

Ellyes Skhiri nodded home an early goal, and the FC Copenhagen forward Achouri added two more strikes around the break during a match contested in persistent downpours in Rabat. Denis Omedi grabbed a late reply for Uganda.

This outcome positions Tunisia at the summit of Group C following the initial round of games, edging out Nigeria on goals scored after the Super Eagles 2-1 success versus Tanzania earlier in Fes.

"We put in a solid showing. There are many encouraging aspects to build on. Scoring three times aligned with our aim to launch the tournament strongly," Achouri commented. "We achieved that and feel immensely pleased."

Tunisia, qualified for the upcoming World Cup, are making their 17th straight appearance at the AFCON and sought to improve on their 2024 performance in Ivory Coast, where they exited the group phase winless.

The Carthage Eagles began victoriously on the waterlogged pitch at Rabat Olympic Stadium, with the French born Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Skhiri netting after just 10 minutes.

Achouri then became the standout, increasing the advantage with a deft touch from Ali Abdis delivery as the first half drew near its end.

He claimed his brace and Tunisias third goal soon past the hour, tapping in after Abdis effort was parried by Uganda custodian Jamal Salim.

Though Uganda suffered a clear defeat, they gained a measure of respect with Omedis stoppage time effort, which took a hefty deflection off Tunisian defender Yan Valery en route to goal.

Tunisia face Nigeria on Saturday in Fes, a contest poised to determine the group winner, as Uganda and Tanzania aim for their initial points in a Rabat showdown.