Tunisia will kick off its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Uganda at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah on Tuesday.

With just one Africa Cup of Nations trophy to their name, the Carthage Eagles are hungry for a second title in Morocco, while their rivals face a daunting opening challenge.

Tunisia last lifted the trophy in 2004, but a surge in recent form has their supporters brimming with optimism.

Although Tunisia stumbled to second place behind Comoros in their qualifying group, they dazzled in World Cup qualifiers, racking up 9 wins and 1 draw from 10 matches.

Sami Trabelsi’s squad carries cautious hope after their early exit in 2023.

Yet, despite their defensive solidity in World Cup qualifiers, Tunisia’s backline has shown cracks, conceding in six of their last seven outings.

Uganda arrives in confident spirits, having won four of their last six matches.

However, off-field administrative issues have cast a shadow over the East Africans’ preparations for the tournament.

The Cranes soared to the final in 1978, only to fall to Ghana, but recent performances have left much to be desired.

Uganda’s 2019 round of 16 result is what Paul Put will be aiming to match or exceed.

Since their 1978 heroics, victories have been scarce for the Cranes, with a lone 2-0 triumph over DR Congo in 2019 standing out.

Uganda’s six consecutive defeats to Tunisia may hand the North Africans a crucial psychological advantage.