MATCH PREVIEW: Tunisia vs. Uganda
Venue: Stade Olympique De Rabat, Morocco
Kick-off: 11:00 PM (EAT)
Group: C (Alongside Nigeria and Tanzania)
The long wait is finally over. Tonight, the Uganda Cranes return to the grandest stage of African football for the first time since 2019, facing a daunting task against North African heavyweights Tunisia.
Under the guidance of Belgian tactician Paul Put, the Cranes enter this tournament with a point to prove. While the “Carthage Eagles” of Tunisia are perennial favorites, Uganda’s blend of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership has fans back home in Kampala and across the country dreaming of a historic run.
The Squad: Experience Meets New Blood
Coach Paul Put has made bold calls, including the return of legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango, whose presence in the locker room and between the sticks remains invaluable. Supporting him are veteran midfield general Khalid Aucho, defenders Timothy Awany and Isaac Muleme.
However, the spotlight will also be on the “new generation.” Watch out for:
Travis Mutyaba: Currently playing his club football in Tunisia for CS Sfaxien, Mutyaba knows the opponent better than anyone and will be the creative spark in midfield.
Mato Rogers: Arriving in red-hot form from FK Vardar, Rogers is expected to lead the line and test the Tunisian defense with his pace.
James Bogere: The teenage sensation who has the potential to be the breakout star of this tournament.
Tactical Battle: Can Put Outsmart Trabelsi?
Tunisia, coached by Sami Trabelsi, are known for their technical discipline and defensive “wall,” having conceded very few goals in qualifying. Uganda’s best chance lies in the transition. Paul Put is expected to set up a compact 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to absorb pressure and hit the Tunisians on the counter-attack.
Head-to-Head: Breaking the Jinx
History favors the North Africans; Tunisia has won all five of their previous meetings with Uganda. However, as we saw yesterday with Zimbabwe nearly holding Egypt, the “underdog” tag is a dangerous one in this year’s AFCON.
Coach Paul Put’s View: “We respect Tunisia’s pedigree, but we are not here to make up the numbers. The boys are hungry. We want to show the world that Ugandan football has evolved.” Put told reporters in Morocco.
Probable Cranes XI:
Jamal; Sibbick, Obita, Caprodossi, Kayondo; Aucho, Semakula, Alhassan; Mato, Okello, Lorenzen.
Sounds like a fantastic challenge for the Cranes! Wishing them all the best in Rabat tonight.
Great piece. However, Steven Dessert mukwala might be a better CF due to his work rate especially in the first 45 mins, re-organise the front 3 and relegate Mutyaba to the bench.