Tunisia aims to secure their first AFCON opening-match victory in a decade as they take on an underdog Uganda side looking to secure their first-ever win against the Carthage Eagles. Tunisia enters the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations eager to banish the memories of their winless 2023 campaign as they face Uganda at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Tuesday. Despite being 2004 champions and perennial contenders, the Carthage Eagles have struggled in recent tournament openers, failing to win their first match in five consecutive editions. Coach Sami Trabelsi will rely on the creativity of Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri to dismantle a disciplined Ugandan defense. The Uganda Cranes, returning to the continental stage for the first time since 2019, face a daunting historical record, having lost all previous encounters against Tunisia. However, manager Paul Put remains confident that his side’s organizational resilience can bridge the gap in pedigree. Preparation for the East Africans was briefly hampered by administrative issues regarding player allowances, but Put confirmed the squad is now focused on ending their North African “hoodoo” in Group C. Tactically, Tunisia is expected to dominate possession through a midfield anchored by Ellyes Skhiri and Ferjani Sassi. Uganda’s threat will likely come via transitions, with Allan Okello and Rogers Mato supporting target man Steven Mukwala. Coach Put highlighted the importance of collective belief, stating, “leaving out Charles Lukwago and David Owori from his shortlisted players that will feature in this tournament will not affect the team’s quality,” as they aim for a historic result.

🚨🔴🔵 BREAKING: Endrick to Olympique Lyon, here we go! Deal in place after exclusive story revealed two months ago.

Endrick joins OL on loan from Real Madrid, no buy option clause and 50% of salary covered.

The Brazilian will be back to Real in June. pic.twitter.com/Cm34ZO2alt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2025

Arsenal is set to welcome back key players Gabriel Magalhães and Kai Havertz from injury soon. Gabriel is recovering from a muscular issue and has started light training, with a return expected in the coming weeks. Havertz is also nearing a comeback after a minor knock. Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori, a defender linked with Arsenal, is working his way back from a hamstring injury and is anticipated to train fully within the month.

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Patson Daka tried doing a backflip, after scoring the equalizer for Zambia against Mali at the 2025 AFCON, but ended up hurting his neck. pic.twitter.com/upiwfLdZVZ

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 22, 2025

Patson Daka, the Zambian player, scored the equalizer against Mali in the final minute and got injured during the celebration!#afcon #zambia pic.twitter.com/pkyA7q42JA

— Smashi Sports (@SmashiSports) December 22, 2025

📋 TEAM NEWS | AFCON 2025

Here’s how South Africa 🇿🇦 and Angola 🇦🇴 line up in Marrakech.

All set for an intriguing clash as both sides look to start strong. 🔥

Who’s your pick to take the points tonight?

Predictions, everyone? 👇#AFCON2025 #TotalEnergiesAFCON25… pic.twitter.com/6fWWGsSEm6

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) December 22, 2025

🚨🔴⚫️ Niclas Füllkrug to AC Milan, here we go! Deal in place for loan move until June 2026.

AC Milan will cover his salary, no loan fee and buy option around €13/14m not mandatory.

Füllkrug wanted Milan despite two bids from Germany.

Story revealed weeks ago, now done. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/S6HMNaaoou

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2025

Bayern Munich Coach, Vincent Kompany says he wants DR Congo to win the 2025 AFCON.

His father is Congolese. pic.twitter.com/7SQwoQKCF2

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 22, 2025

Coach Tom Saintfiet drops Tottenham midfielder, Yves Bissouma from the squad as he is not fit enough

Former Premier League striker, Patson Daka starts for Zambia.

Good luck to Zambia! @sportybetzambia

What are your predictions for this match? pic.twitter.com/LMfqHXJCIZ

— SportyBetNG (@SportyBetNG) December 22, 2025

Milan are hoping to finalise a loan for Niclas Fullkrug this week following advanced talks last week. Deal expected to have an option to buy.

West Ham also plan to add a new No.9 in January.⚒️ pic.twitter.com/iGtmqPjVnj

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 22, 2025

Andy Cole's love for Jay-Jay Okocha 🤝 pic.twitter.com/JXnfFlMeju

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 21, 2025