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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.

Group C Analysis: Uganda Faces Tunisia, Nigeria, Tanzania Test in AFCON
Uganda's High-Stakes AFCON Group

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.

HISTORY MADE: WHY UGANDA CRANES USED THREE GOALKEEPERS IN A SINGLE AFCON NIGHTMARE

Uganda’s AFCON run ends in a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria. The Cranes used three goalkeepers in a match that saw Salim Magoola sent off.

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Uganda finished bottom of Group C

Uganda's run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is over after a tough 3-1 loss to Nigeria. They didn't win a single game and are out after the group stage. Nigeria finished top of Group C with 9 points, while Uganda ended up last with only 1 point. Uganda had trouble scoring and let in the most goals, showing they still have a ways to go.

Nigeria came out strong, keeping Uganda pinned back. Their pressure paid off when Paul Onuachu scored in the 28th minute after a great pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, putting Nigeria ahead.

Uganda couldn't get into the game and barely created any chances. Karl Uche Ikpeazu was isolated up front. They wasted several set-piece opportunities, and captain Denis Onyango had to make a bunch of saves. He even needed treatment a few times before being subbed out at halftime.

Things got worse in the 57th minute when Onyango's replacement, Salim Jamal Magoola, got a red card for handling the ball outside the box while trying to stop Victor Osimhen. Uganda was down to ten men.

Nafian Alionzi came in, making Uganda the first team in the tournament to use three goalkeepers in one game.

Nigeria took advantage of the situation, and Raphael Onyedika scored twice in the 62nd and 66th minutes, making it 3-0. Game over for Uganda.

Uganda managed to pull one back in the 75th minute when Rogers Kassim Mato scored after a nice play with Allan Okello. It got the 11,545 fans excited, but Nigeria just slowed the game down and won easily.

With this win, Nigeria finished Group C undefeated. Uganda finished last, having let in the most goals in the group.

In the other game, Tanzania drew 1-1 with Tunisia. This meant that both teams, along with Nigeria, moved on. Tanzania made it to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Uganda lost 3-1 to Tunisia, drew 1-1 with Tanzania, and lost 3-1 to Nigeria. They're still waiting for their first-ever win in the AFCON finals.

For head coach Joseph Paul Put, the tournament had some good moments, but it also showed that Uganda needs to be more consistent, disciplined, and clinical to compete at the highest level.

TUESDAY PREVIEW: PAUL PUT PREPARES UGANDA FOR DECISIVE FINAL AFCON GROUP CLASH

Uganda must beat Nigeria to reach the AFCON 2025 knockouts. Discover Paul Put’s strategy and Jordan Obita’s call for belief in Fes.

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Uganda vs Nigeria determines Group C fate

Paul Put's team is heading to Stade de Fes, aiming for a win. This victory could get them into the round of 16 either as Group C's second-place team or as one of the top four third-place teams in the 24-team contest.

"We're up against a really good team," Put said. They were in the final at the last Cup of Nations, and they've won both matches here in Morocco.

We know how good the Nigerian players are. A lot of them play in big leagues in Europe, so we need to be super focused.

But we know what's at stake. It won't be easy; it will be tough. But if we put in the effort, anything's possible.

Tunisia is playing Tanzania in Rabat on Tuesday night. They beat Uganda 3-1 in their first game on December 23.

In their second game, Uganda drew 1-1 with Tanzania after Allan Okello missed a late penalty.

"We had a great chance to win," said Uganda defender Jordan Obita. But it didn't happen.

We can't be scared of going into the Nigeria game. We have to believe we can do something, and that's what we're going to do.

Uganda reached the last 16 in 2019 in Egypt—the first time the Africa Cup of Nations had 24 teams.

But the country's teams didn't make it into the competitions in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire after that.

In 2027, Uganda will host the event with Kenya and Uganda. Obita mentioned that the players in the Uganda team want to show what they're made of at the 2025 contest.

"Everyone back home in Uganda needs to see that we can compete with the best countries in the world," said the 32-year-old, who plays for Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

When we played Algeria in the World Cup qualifiers, it showed we can go head-to-head with top-tier countries and players.

Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, was secretive on Monday about who would be on his team Tuesday night.

"I'm keeping my plans to myself," said the 48-year-old former Mali player. A lot of players deserve a chance on this team.

I make hard choices for every match. I've got two or three teams in mind.

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