Elias Achouri struck twice as Tunisia cruised to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Uganda in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Ellyes Skhiri headed Tunisia into an early lead before FC Copenhagen winger Achouri added goals on either side of half-time in a contest played under heavy rain in Rabat. Denis Omedi scored a late goal for Uganda, offering little more than consolation.
The win puts Tunisia top of Group C after the first round of fixtures, ahead of Nigeria on goal difference following the Super Eagles’ 2-1 win against Tanzania earlier in Fes.
Tunisia, who have already secured qualification for next year’s World Cup, are taking part in their 17th straight AFCON tournament and were determined to improve on their disappointing 2024 campaign in Ivory Coast, where they exited at the group stage without a single win.
The Carthage Eagles made the ideal start on a soaked pitch at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, with Frankfurt midfielder Skhiri breaking the deadlock just 10 minutes into the match.
Achouri then became the focal point of the attack, doubling the advantage shortly before half-time with a composed finish from an Ali Abdi delivery.
He completed his brace soon after the hour, reacting quickest to score after Abdi’s effort was parried by Uganda goalkeeper Jamal Salim.
Uganda struggled throughout but managed to pull one back in stoppage time when Omedi’s strike deflected heavily off Tunisian defender Yan Valery and found the net.
Tunisia face Nigeria next on Saturday in Fes in a match likely to determine the group winner, while Uganda and Tanzania will look to secure their first points when they meet in Rabat.