Tunisia vs Uganda Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is underway!

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia collide with the Uganda Cranes this Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Rabat’s Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. This match starts the Group C action in the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.

Bechir Ben Saïd and his defensive teammates face a Ugandan side feeling confident after a strong qualification campaign. While Uganda lost merely once during that run, history heavily favours the North Africans.

Despite being the favourites, Tunisia feel anxious about Naïm Sliti’s fitness. The winger remains a big doubt following recurring injury setbacks. Consequently, Coach Sami Trabelsi expects returning midfielders Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri to carry the creative load. These players must work to break down Uganda’s compact lines.

On the other side, goalkeeper Ismail Watenga leads the Cranes’ defence. The team counts on the great form of Allan Okello. His recent friendly goal against AS FAR Rabat shows his scoring potential. Furthermore, Paul Put’s men know that winning points here is vital before they face Nigeria. Their quick counterattacks could punish any Tunisian mistakes.

Even though the Carthage Eagles have better technical skills, Uganda’s energy might just cause an upset in Morocco. Fans expect a smart tactical battle. Ultimately, the team that finishes better in front of the goal will win.

Kick-off:

• Location: Rabat, Morocco
• Stadium: Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah
• Date: Wednesday, December 24
• Kick-off Time: 1:30 AM IST
• Referee: Peter Waweru Kamaku
• VAR: Not in use

Form:

Tunisia (in all competitions): W-D-L-D-W

Uganda (in all competitions): L-L-W-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Tunisia: Hannibal Mejbri

Because injury rules out Naïm Sliti, Hannibal Mejbri assumes total responsibility for the Tunisian engine room this Tuesday. The Burnley midfielder demands the ball constantly to drive transitions forward. His vision unlocks tight defensive lines. His tenacity in winning possession high up the pitch provides the Carthage Eagles with their best route to an early goal.

Uganda: Allan Okello

Allan Okello arrives in Rabat playing the best football of his international career. The Vipers SC playmaker identifies gaps behind the opponent’s full-backs, while his lethal left foot forces defenders to step out and leave space elsewhere. If Uganda hope to shock the group favourites, Okello must exploit every inch of space he finds in the final third.

Match Facts:

• Tunisia defeated the Cranes in both of their previous AFCON finals meetings, securing a 3-0 victory in 1962 and a 3-1 win during the 1978 group stages.
• The Carthage Eagles extend their continental record for consistency by competing in their seventeenth consecutive tournament, a run that remains uninterrupted since 1994.
• Coach Paul Put injected fresh blood into the Ugandan squad by selecting 17-year-old striker James Bogere, who famously scored Uganda’s first-ever goal at the U17 World Cup.

Tunisia vs Uganda Betting Tips and Odds:

• Tunisia to win: 1.85 as per 1xBet.
• Under 2.5 goals – No: 1.57 as per Winmatch.
• Both teams to score – No: 1.72 as per 1Win.

Injuries and team News:

Head Coach Sami Trabelsi officially omitted Anis Ben Slimane from the final travelling party. He cited the midfielder’s lack of recovery from a prolonged injury sustained at Norwich City. Furthermore, the technical staff continues to monitor Naïm Sliti. His recurring muscle discomfort forced him to skip yesterday’s full-contact training session, rendering his participation highly unlikely.

While the Cranes largely boast a clean bill of health, defender Halid Lwaliwa remains unavailable for selection this Tuesday due to a suspension carried over from the qualification campaign. Additionally, the medical team expressed significant concern regarding Bobosi Byaruhanga. The midfielder sustained a bruised shin during the final warm-up friendly, which limits his mobility.

Also Read: DR Congo vs Benin Preview, prediction, betting tips & odds

Head-To-Head stats:

• Total Matches Played: 5
• Tunisia Wins: 5
• Uganda Wins: 0
• Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups:

Tunisia Predicted starting Lineup (4-3-3):

Bechir Ben Saïd; Yan Valery, Montassar Talbi, Yassine Meriah, Ali Abdi; Ellyes Skhiri, Ferjani Sassi, Hannibal Mejbri; Elias Achouri, Seifeddine Jaziri, Elias Saad

Uganda Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Denis Onyango; Kenneth Semakula, Timothy Awany, Elio Capradossi, Abdu Azizi Kayondo; Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda; Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato; Steven Mukwala

Match Prediction:

Tunisia win 1-0 as their disciplined defensive block effectively neutralises the Cranes’ energetic but often erratic forward line. While the East Africans fight hard, they struggle to create clear chances against such experienced opponents. So, a solitary goal from a set-piece situation might separate the two sides in Rabat.

Prediction: Tunisia 1–0 Uganda

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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