Tunisia's Ascent: Carthage Eagles Dethrone Nigeria in AFCON Group C Battle

Published 2 hours ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Tunisia's Ascent: Carthage Eagles Dethrone Nigeria in AFCON Group C Battle

Nigeria's Super Eagles have been knocked off the top spot in their AFCON 2025 Group C standings, following a commanding 3-1 victory by Tunisia over Uganda. This result immediately reshaped the group, placing Tunisia at the summit on goal difference after the first matchday, despite Nigeria having secured a hard-earned 2-1 win against Tanzania just hours earlier.

Tunisia made a powerful statement in their Group C opener against Uganda, showcasing their determination to avoid a repeat of their winless AFCON 2023 group-stage exit. The Carthage Eagles started brightly, taking the lead within 10 minutes when Ellyes Skhiri's header, from a Hannibal Mejbri corner, struck the post before deflecting into the net off Uganda's Aziz Kayondo. Buoyed by this early advantage, Tunisia controlled the game and doubled their lead just before half-time through Elias Achouri, who produced a superb first-time volley into the top-right corner. Achouri completed his brace after the hour mark, tapping into an empty net after a Jamal Salim save, effectively sealing the contest. Uganda managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time from Denis Omedi, but it did little to alter the outcome. Tunisia's comprehensive win moved them top of Group C, while Uganda slumped to the bottom, having failed to score for the third time in 11 international matches.

Earlier, Nigeria had opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Fez, provisionally taking control of the group. After a cagey first half, the Super Eagles broke the deadlock midway through the second period when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home a perfectly weighted delivery from Alex Iwobi. However, their lead was short-lived as Tanzania stunned them minutes later with Charles M’Mombwa bundling in an equaliser, exposing brief lapses in Nigeria's defence. Nigeria quickly responded, with another moment of quality from Iwobi setting up Ademola Lookman, who drove a fierce effort from the edge of the box to restore the lead barely two minutes later. That decisive goal secured all three points for Nigeria and briefly lifted them to the top of the group, a position they would not hold for the night.

The results leave Tunisia at the top of Group C on goal difference, ahead of Nigeria. Uganda occupies the bottom spot. The stage is now set for a highly anticipated and decisive group encounter between the two heavyweights, Tunisia and Nigeria, in their next matchday, with the winner guaranteed qualification for the knockout stages.

In other AFCON 2025 results from Tuesday, Senegal recorded the biggest win of the day, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Botswana in Group D, with Nicolas Jackson scoring twice. DR Congo also picked up maximum points in the same group, edging Benin 1-0. Hosts Morocco lead Group A after beating Comoros 2-0, while Egypt and South Africa share the top spot in Group B following narrow victories over Zimbabwe and Angola, respectively.

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