GROUP C ANALYSIS: UGANDA FACES TUNISIA, NIGERIA, TANZANIA TEST IN AFCON
Uganda's AFCON 2025 journey begins in Group C vs Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Preview their chances and the road to hosting 2027.
Uganda is back on the big stage at the Africa Cup of Nations! They're in Group C, which looks pretty even, together with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Plus, they're getting ready to co-host the whole thing in 2027.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is in Morocco, and everyone's expecting a great show.
For Uganda, this isn't just about being in the finals. It's about taking their shot, showing what they've got, and making a name for themselves. Group C? It's got a mix of strong teams, local rivalries, and anything-can-happen vibes.
First Up: Tunisia
Uganda starts against Tunisia on December 23. Tunisia is known for being tough and experienced at this tournament.
They've won all five of their matches against Uganda, including an 8-0 beatdown in a previous qualifier—not a great memory for Uganda.
Tunisia has been at almost every tournament since the mid-90s and usually makes it to the knockout rounds.
They're all about structure and staying calm. Uganda's going to need to be smart and focused.
Coach Paul Put is hoping that the recent 4-0 loss to Morocco taught them a thing or two about playing against the best.
Tanzania: A Familiar Foe
Four days after Tunisia, it's Tanzania. East African derbies are always intense—familiar faces, similar styles, and a shared love of the game.
Tanzania is getting better, with good organisation and quick attacks.
This game is a preview of what's to come, with both teams co-hosting the 2027 AFCON. Pride and bragging rights are definitely on the line.
Nigeria: A Wounded Giant
Uganda finishes Group C against Nigeria on December 30. They've got tons of attacking talent, no question.
But the challenge for Nigeria is to play as a team. When they're on, they're amazing, but they can also have slip-ups.
Uganda needs to be ready for anything, especially since Nigeria is still upset about missing the 2026 World Cup.
This match is another chance for Uganda to see how they measure up against one of Africa's best.
Group Breakdown
Group C might not be the toughest group, but it's got a lot going on.
Tunisia has history and a solid team, Tanzania is a familiar rival, and Nigeria has the star power.
Uganda is in a good spot, with a lot to gain. They'll need to work hard, stay disciplined, and play good defence to get through this group.
With Kenya not in the tournament, Uganda and Tanzania are the only East African teams left, so they've got a responsibility to represent the region well.
From Morocco to 2027
After the 2025 AFCON, the focus turns to 2027, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. They call it Pamoja, which means togetherness.
The CAF has already set up the qualification groups, with the hosts getting an automatic spot.
The group winners and the three best runners-up will go straight to the tournament, with the rest of the runners-up playing in a playoff round.
The qualifiers are in March, September, and October 2026, with playoffs in November.
For Uganda, Morocco is more than just a tournament. How they play, how the team comes together, their tactics, and the improvements they make to their facilities will all play a part as they get ready to host the tournament in 2027.
From the pressure of Group C to the excitement of hosting the tournament, Uganda is starting a big two-year chapter in their football story.
PROSCOVIA ALAKO SHINES, UGANDA VICTORIA PEARLS FALLS SHORT AGAINST DETERMINED DUTCH
Uganda Victoria Pearls lost to the Netherlands in the Emerging Nations Cup but showed potential with their best batting performance (111/6). They finished sixth overall.
The Uganda Victoria Pearls couldn't quite clinch a victory against the Netherlands, who were determined to win the Emerging Nations Cup.
Even though they lost, the Victoria Pearls can be proud of their best batting performance in the whole tournament. Uganda kept the same team lineup as before. The Dutch won the coin toss and chose to let Uganda bat first.
Esther Iloku was out quickly. Captain Janet Mbabazi seemed to be playing well, but she was unfortunately dismissed when a ball rolled onto her stumps. By the end of the power play, Uganda was at 26/2.
Proscovia Alako (34 not out) and Stephanie Nampiina (21) helped Uganda make good progress. Alako scored 19 runs in the last over, pushing the total to 111/6 in 20 overs.
During the chase, the Dutch team started aggressively. Kevin Amuge made a breakthrough in the first over but then allowed two boundaries.
Consy Aweko also took a wicket, but that was all the Victoria Pearls could manage. The Netherlands scored 51 during the power play, with Babette De Leede (17) and Sterre Kallis (32) putting pressure on the Ugandan bowlers.
Even with two more wickets falling, the Dutch secured the win in under 15 overs. This fifth win secured them a spot in the top four at the tournament.
The Victoria Pearls batted well, but it wasn't enough. They showed some promise, hinting at the team's potential. Alako displayed her hitting abilities, with especially strong ground strokes at the end.
Uganda ended the tournament with two wins and finished in sixth place, just ahead of the other two African teams. This shows they still have much to improve to catch up with the other teams.
This event happens every year, and when it returns in 2026, they should have learned from their mistakes and be ready to get more wins. The losses against the top teams showed them how much work they need to do to close the gap. A lot has been done with the team, but there's still more to do.
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE: VIPERS, VILLA BATTLE TO FIERCE 1-1 DRAW
Vipers and SC Villa fought to a 1-1 draw in the Uganda Premier League. The result stopped Villa's 5-game winning streak, tying them with KCCA at 17 points.
Vipers and SC Villa fought to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at St. Mary's Stadium in Kitende. Both teams seemed okay with a point, even though it stopped Villa's five-game win streak. Now, they're tied with KCCA at the top with 17 points.
Vipers are also moving up, sitting in fourth place. Their own winning streak ended at four, leaving them with 13 points, but they have three games in hand.
Villa could have scored early when Hassan Mubiru stole the ball from Vipers' Kevin DaSylva Bady. But instead of shooting, he passed, and the chance was wasted.
Vipers had a chance too, but Villa's goalie, David Lukwago, saved Karim Watambala's shot.
The first half didn't have many exciting moments. Villa couldn't capitalise on Vipers' struggles to move the ball out of their own end under Villa's pressure.
Later, Vipers' Yunus Sentamu shot wide when passing might have been the better choice.
The game picked up in the second half. Villa went ahead in the 68th minute when Frank Ssebuufu headed in a cross.
But the Vipers tied it up five minutes later. Okello passed to Usama Arafat, who scored the equaliser.
Late in the game, Villa's Sula Matovu was sent off for arguing with the referee, who had a tough day, along with her assistants.