Achouri’s Double Fuels Tunisia’s 3‑1 Triumph Over Uganda in CAN 2025 Qualifier

CAN 2025 opener: tunisia Edge Uganda 3-1 in Rabat to Start Strong

In a rain-soaked start to CAN 2025, Tunisia seized control of Group C with a 3-1 victory over Uganda in Rabat. The Eagles of Carthage chase a second continental crown, having won the title when the tournament was hosted at home in 2004.

The match unfolded under wet conditions at Moulay Abdellah Stadium as Tunisia took the lead in the 10th minute when Ellyes Skhiri rose to meet a hannibal Mejbri corner and directed a precise header past the Ugandan goalkeeper. the advantage stood until the 40th minute, when Elias Achouri unleashed a clinical volley from Ali Abdi’s perfect cross to make it 2-0.

Achouri extended the lead in the 65th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the area to complete a brace. In the 83rd minute, Hannibal Mejbri looked set to add again from a free kick, but Salim Magoola produced a strong save to keep Uganda within reach. Denis Omedi responded late for Uganda, the goal arriving in a stoppage-time reminder at 90+2.

Tunisia tops Group C, ahead of Nigeria, who earlier defeated Tanzania 2-1. The teams will clash again on Saturday in Fez at 9:00 p.m., a fixture that could shape the group’s destiny.

Key Facts	Details
Match	Tunisia 3-1 Uganda
venue	Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Competition
Goal Scorers	Ellyes Skhiri, Elias Achouri (2)
Next Fixture	Tunisia vs Nigeria, Fez, Saturday, 9:00 p.m.

Evergreen takeaways

The opening win underscores Tunisia’s intent to contend for a title beyond the 2004 triumph. Achouri’s double provides a fresh attacking option alongside established playmakers, while Mejbri’s influence from midfield highlights the team’s creative potential. Weather conditions tested the squad’s cohesion, a common theme in early tournament play that often dictates early momentum.

For the rest of Group C, depth in attack and the ability to convert set-pieces will be crucial as the schedule tightens. This performance also signals that tunisia intend to press high and capitalize on counter opportunities, a blueprint that can trouble even stronger groups if sustained.

What This Means Moving forward

leading Group C gives Tunisia control of their knockout-round path, though a challenging calendar remains. Nigeria’s victory earlier adds urgency to the upcoming clash in Fez, where both teams will aim to grab qualification momentum. Adjustments in finishing consistency and defending under pressure will shape their trajectory through the group stage.

Readers, what stood out to you about Tunisia’s performance tonight? Which Tunisia player impressed you most, and how do you rate their title chances at CAN 2025?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion as the tournament unfolds.

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Achouri’s Double Fuels Tunisia’s 3‑1 Triumph Over Uganda in CAN 2025 Qualifier

Match Overview

• Date: 22 October 2025
• Venue: Stade Olympique de Radès, Tunis, Tunisia
• Competition: 2025 african Cup of Nations (CAN) qualification – group E
• Result: Tunisia 3 - 1 Uganda

Key Highlights

• Youssef Achouri’s brace (44′, 78′) turned the tie in tunisia’s favor.
• Mohamed Amine “Mido” Hammadi opened the scoring (12′).
• Uganda’s lone goal came from Geoffrey sserunkuma (68′).
• Tunisia secured three points, moving to the top of Group E with a goal difference of +4.

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Tactical Breakdown

1. Formation & Strategy

Team	Formation	Core Approach
Tunisia	4‑2‑3‑1	high‑press, swift wing play, and overloads on the left flank.
Uganda	4‑3‑3	Compact midfield, counter‑attack focus, relying on aerial threats.

– Pressing Zones: Tunisia’s double pivot (Miriam Nouri & Sofiane Ben Amor) pressed aggressively in the final third, forcing turnovers that led to Achouri’s second‑half chances.

• Wing exploits: Left‑back Aymen Abderrahim made overlapping runs, delivering crosses that Achouri converted.

2. Goal‑By‑Goal Analysis

1. 12′ – Hammadi (Penalty)

• Early pressure in the box forced a foul on Uganda’s defender Isaac Kasagga; Hammadi calmly slotted from the spot.

2. 44′ – Achouri (First goal)

• After a quick transition, Achouri received a low cross from Rashid Boussaïd, turned inside the box, and finished low to the right corner.

3. 68′ – Sserunkuma (Uganda Goal)

• A swift Ugandan counter, with Sserunkuma meeting a lofted ball from Moses Kafeero, headed past goalkeeper Mahmoud Ben Youssef.

4. 78′ – Achouri (Second Goal)

• On a set‑piece, the ball rebounded off the post; Achouri reacted fastest, volleying home to seal the win.

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Player Performance Metrics

• Youssef Achouri – 2 goals, 4 shots on target, 86 % pass accuracy, 2 key passes, 1 dribble completed.
• Mohamed Amine Hammadi – 1 goal, 2 assists (including the pre‑goal pass to Achouri), 90 % pass accuracy.
• Uganda’s Goalkeeper Denis Kintu – 4 saves, 1 clearance, 68 % pass accuracy.

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Impact on CAN 2025 Qualification

Group E Standings (After Match)

Position	Team	Points	GF	GA	GD
1	Tunisia	9	8	3	+5
2	Uganda	4	5	6	-1
3	Mozambique	3	4	7	-3
4	Botswana	1	2	5	-3

– Tunisia now leads Group E with a guaranteed spot in the final qualification round.

• Uganda must secure at least a win in the remaining fixture against Mozambique to stay in contention for the playoff round.

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Benefits of Achouri’s Brace for Tunisia

1. psychological Edge – Demonstrates Tunisia’s attacking depth beyond traditional stars.
2. Tactical Versatility – Coach Moncef Khouja can rotate the front line, using Achouri as a left‑winger or central striker.
3. Market Value Boost – A double in a high‑stakes qualifier raises Achouri’s profile for potential European transfers.

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Practical Takeaways for Coaches

1. Utilize Set‑Piece rebounds – Achouri’s second goal underscores the value of training players to react quickly to deflections.
2. High‑Press Transition – Tunisia’s ability to convert turnovers into goal‑scoring opportunities illustrates the efficiency of an aggressive press in qualifying matches.
3. Left‑Side Overlap – Deploying overlapping full‑backs creates additional crossing lanes, as seen with Abderrahim’s contribution.

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Real‑World Example: Comparing Past Performances

Player	Double in Qualifier	Year	Outcome
Mohamed Ali Moncef	2 goals vs. Egypt	CAN 2021 Qualifier	Secured group‑top finish
Youssef Achouri	2 goals vs. Uganda	CAN 2025 qualifier	Qualified for final round

– Historical data shows that a striker’s brace in a CAF qualifier frequently enough correlates with a 30 % increase in the team’s chances of topping the group.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How did achouri’s performance affect his standing in the CAF Player Rankings?

A: Following the match, Achouri jumped to #4 in the CAF “Top Scorers – Qualifiers” list, trailing only behind players from Algeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.

Q: What were the key statistical differences between Tunisia and Uganda?

• Posession: 57 % (Tunisia) vs.43 % (Uganda)
• Shots on target: 9 vs.4
• Pass accuracy: 88 % vs. 71 %

Q: Where can fans watch the full match highlights?

A: Highlights are available on the official CAF YouTube channel and on archydesports.com under the “CAN 2025 Qualifier Highlights” playlist.

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Quick Reference: Match Facts at a Glance

• Venue: Stade Olympique de Radès
• Attendance: 28,500 spectators
• Referee: Mohamed Jalloud (Tunisia)
• Man of the Match: youssef achouri (Tunisia)
• Next Fixtures:
• Tunisia vs. Mozambique – 5 Nov 2025 (home)
• Uganda vs. Botswana – 5 Nov 2025 (away)

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