AFCON 2025: Tunisia looks to end opening match struggles 

Tunisia will attempt to break a decade-long pattern of disappointing starts when they face Uganda on December 23 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eagles of Carthage have failed to win any of their first games in the last five AFCON editions, a streak they are eager to end.

The last time Tunisia celebrated a victory in an opening fixture was at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.

Youssef Msakni’s stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 win and remains the benchmark for success that the team has been unable to replicate in subsequent tournaments.

Since then, the Eagles have struggled to find momentum at the start of the competition, often requiring strong finishes in later matches to advance.

In 2015, the team drew 1-1 against Cape Verde in Equatorial Guinea.

Ali Moncer’s 70th-minute goal initially gave Tunisia the lead, but the Blue Sharks equalized from the penalty spot eight minutes later.

Despite topping Group B at the conclusion of the group stage, the opening result reflected a pattern of cautious beginnings.

The 2017 tournament saw a tougher challenge, with Tunisia facing Senegal, led by Aliou Cissé and emerging star Sadio Mané.

A 2-0 defeat, courtesy of a penalty from Mané and a goal from Mbodj, left the Eagles needing to recover to secure second place in their group.

Similarly, in 2019, Tunisia drew 1-1 with Angola after taking an early lead through Youssef Msakni.

Though the team ultimately reached the semi-finals, the pattern of faltering at the start remained.

In 2021, Tunisia lost 1-0 to Mali, with Koné’s penalty deciding the match.

Despite reaching the quarter-finals, the loss reinforced the team’s difficulties in opening fixtures.

The 2023 AFCON proved especially harsh, a late goal from Namibia’s Hotto condemned Tunisia to a 1-0 defeat, and the Eagles finished last in their group, marking one of the team’s poorest campaigns in recent history.

Against Uganda in Rabat, Tunisia will be striving not just for three points but to overcome a psychological hurdle that has loomed over the team for years.

Breaking the streak of poor starts could provide a crucial boost for their 2025 campaign, helping the Eagles of Carthage regain confidence and set the tone for deeper progress in the tournament.

Coach and players alike recognize the importance of a strong opening performance.

A victory against Uganda would not only end a 10-year opening match drought but also signal Tunisia’s intent to compete seriously for the AFCON title, reaffirming their status as perennial contenders on the African stage.