AFCON 2025: Big wins for Nigeria and Tunisia
The first day of group C saw the favorites hold their position. Not without difficulty for Nigeria. The Super Eagles had to work hard to defeat valiant Taifa Stars (2-1). Tunisia did enforced their hierarchy over Uganda. The Carthage Eagles showed authority and mastery by winning 3-1 against the Cranes.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Lookman avoids the Tanzanian trap for Nigeria
Like most of the matches of this 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, this duel between Super Eagles and Taïfa Stars remained undecided throughout the regulation time. At the Fès Sports Complex, however, it is the reigning vice-champions of Africa who take the lead in the 36th, thanks to a Semi Ajayi achievement. On a marvellous cross from Iwobi, the central defender of Hull City, head-lifts the heroic Tanzanian keeper, Foba Masudi.
The Taïfa Stars score from the return of the locker room on a goal by Charles M'Mombwa, who cheered on Nwabali on a difficult volley (50th minute). Éric Chelle’s men will not have doubted for long. The deliverance came from an inspiration of Ademola Lookman. The African Player of the Year in 2024, throws a heavy left shot into the back of the opposing net. Despite some offensive attempts by the Taïfa Stars, the three-time champions of Africa are starting this campaign with a success, precious three points of the day.
A clinical Tunisia leading the group C
Rarely has a team from Tunisia been as dominant in an encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations. The Carthage Eagles perfectly mastered their opposition against the Cranes of Uganda. Led by Ellyes Skhiri, Tunisia demonstrated its know-how in terms of execution, concretizing 3 of its 6 shots on target. It is moreover the midfielder of Eintracht Frankfurt who sets the tone from the 10th minute of play, by opening the mark on a corner from Hannibal Mejbri.
Just before the break, the men of coach Sami Trabelsi take a breather thanks to Elias Achouri (40th minute). The 26-year-old player takes advantage of a service from Ali Abdi to score his 4th goal for the national team. The midfielder who has had a very good first part of the season is offering himself a one-off at the hour mark for his 5th goal with the national team. Tunisia is taking off. The reduction of the Ugandan score by Denis Omedi in added time will not give any hope in the encounter.
Tunisia wins 3-1 in their opening match, and takes the lead of group C, with the same number of points as Nigeria. The two leaders of this pool face each other on Saturday, December 27 at 8pm GMT for a clash that would see the winner validate his ticket for the eighth final.