AFCON 2025 Preview: Tunisia Vs Uganda
Tanzania and Tunisia will go head-to-head on Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium in Raba in a decisive Group C showdown, with the second automatic qualification spot to the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 at stake.
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The Taifa Stars come into the encounter buoyed by a hard-earned 1–1 draw against neighbours Uganda, while Tunisia will be seeking a swift response after their dramatic 3–2 defeat to Nigeria.
Tanzania’s AFCON 2025 campaign began with a 2–1 loss to Nigeria, a result that was largely expected given the pedigree of the Super Eagles. That opening defeat left Hemed Suleiman’s side under pressure, knowing they had little margin for error against Uganda in their second outing.
The Taifa Stars responded with resilience, earning a 1–1 draw that has kept their hopes alive. Sitting third in the group with one point, Tanzania remain in control of their destiny. A victory over Tunisia on Tuesday would see them qualify for the AFCON knockout stages for the first time in their history.
However, confidence will be tempered by recent form. Tanzania are winless in their last nine matches across all competitions, and Suleiman will be acutely aware that Tunisia present a far sterner test than Uganda.
Tunisia, on the other hand, arrive in Rabat looking to bounce back from a loss that, while close on the scoreboard, exposed vulnerabilities. The Carthage Eagles were dominated for long spells by Nigeria, who raced into a 3–0 lead before Tunisia mounted a late fightback.
Despite that setback, Sami Trabelsi’s side have been solid overall, suffering just two defeats in their last 11 matches in all competitions. Qualification is straightforward: win and advance.
Memories of Tunisia’s early exit at the 2023 AFCON, when they failed to progress from the group stage, remain fresh, adding extra motivation to secure safe passage this time around.
While Tunisia are favourites on paper, defensive lapses remain a concern. They have managed just one clean sheet in their last nine games, leaving the door open for Tanzania to strike on the counter.
Tunisia are unlikely to make sweeping changes despite conceding three goals against Nigeria. Aymen Dahmen remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, while Hannibal Mejbri, who provided an assist and showed leadership in midfield, is expected to start again.
There are concerns over Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who was forced off injured in the previous match and remains a doubt.
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Tanzania may adopt a more conservative approach, possibly reinforcing midfield with a five-man setup to disrupt Tunisia’s rhythm. Simon Msuva, Novatus Miroshi, Salum Feisal, Tarryn Allarakhia, and Alphonce Msanga could form a compact midfield block, while Kelvin John is likely to lead the line alone.
Foba; Hussein, Hamad, Nwamnyeto, Mnoga; Msuva, Msanga, Salum, Miroshi, Allarakhia; John
Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi; Sassi, Mejbri, Skhiri; Achouri, Mastouri, Tounekti
Tanzania are expected to sit deep and look for opportunities on the break, but sustained Tunisian pressure and superior individual quality could prove decisive. While the Taifa Stars will fight bravely, the balance of probability favours the Carthage Eagles.
Verdict
With knockout football on the line, Tuesday’s clash promises tension, drama, and a defining moment for both nations’ AFCON ambitions.
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