Tunisia vs Uganda: Can Paul Put help the Cranes pull off an upset against fancied Eagles of Carthage?

by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath

image Tunisia vs Uganda: Can Paul Put help the Cranes pull off an upset against fancied Eagles of Carthage?
Day 3 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is here, and Group C takes centre-stage with Tunisia set to take on Uganda at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The Eagles of Carthage and Nigeria’s Super Eagles are expected to clinch the top two spots in this group, but Uganda arrive in Morocco determined to defy expectations.

Paul Put aims to break Tunisian curse at AFCON 2025

Without a ball being kicked, Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is one of the toughest to call, but the picture should get a little clearer after the opening round this evening when Tunisia face Uganda in Rabat directly after Nigeria takes on Tanzania in Fez. 

Our experts are leaning toward the North African giants securing the result in this match, according to our Tunisia vs Uganda prediction, given that they have dominated this fixture over the years. 

This is the first time that these sides will face off in Africa’s biggest tournament since 1978, when the Eagles of Carthage came out at 3-1 winners. However, despite the result, the Cranes went on to reach the final that year. 

Uganda have not qualified for the AFCON since 2019, but there is a quiet optimism around the camp this year, largely thanks to the leadership of Paul Put, who was handed a contract extension a couple of months ago that will see him remain at the helm until 2028. 

Since taking charge, the Belgian has transformed the Cranes from a side struggling to secure victories into one that can compete at the highest level, as illustrated by the team’s qualification for this competition and their incredible performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they finished second in their group, only behind Algeria.  

Perhaps the biggest advantage that Put brings is his experience on the continent, having spent time in Burkina Faso, Congo, the Gambia, Guinea, and Kenya. During that time, he led the Stallions to the AFCON 2013 final and the National Elephants to the last 16 in 2019. 

Ahead of the clash against Tunisia, Put explained that he is unfazed by the past record between the sides. He added that while the North African team are favourites for the match, his side is motivated for the challenge and will do their level best to produce a good performance. 

Key stats and facts ahead of Tunisia vs Uganda AFCON 2025 clash

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Tunisia:

  • Tunisia are featuring in their 22nd AFCON and 17th in succession
  • Tunisia have won the AFCON once, back in 2004 as tournament hosts
  • Tunisia failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2023 AFCON 
  • Tunisia have failed to win any of their last five opening matches at the AFCON (D2 L3)
  • Tunisia have won just one of their last nine AFCON group-stage matches (D2 L6)

Uganda: 

  • Uganda are featuring in their eighth AFCON finals and first since 2019
  • Uganda’s best performance at the AFCON was finishing as runners-up in 1978
  • Uganda have only got beyond the group stage at the AFCON twice (1978 & 2019)
  • Uganda have lost five of their seven opening matches at the AFCON 
  • Uganda have never played to a goalless draw in any of their previous 23 AFCON matches 

Tunisia vs Uganda Head-to-Head Record

  • January 20, 1962: Tunisia 3-0 Uganda
  • March 9, 1978: Uganda 1-3 Tunisia
  • February 27, 1999: Tunisia 6-0 Uganda
  • April 10, 1999: Uganda 0-2 Tunisia 
  • January 4, 2017: Tunisia 2-0 Uganda