There are many ways Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put could have objectively summarized his team’s display in the 3-1 loss to Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
The Belgian was not happy that his side showed their group C opponents ‘too much respect’ in the defeat that left his team with a lot of work to do. A brace from Elias Achouri added to Ellyes Skhiri’s opener to seal the result for the 2004 African champions who earned their sixth victory over Uganda in as many games. Forward substitute Denis Omedi came off the bench to bag a consolation goal Uganda hardly merited in a disjointed display. This was Uganda’s only shot on target
Not in game mode
‘We were not in the game,’ Put stated at the post-match press conference here at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. ‘We showed too much respect. We know we played a very good team.’ Tunisia lost twice during the qualifiers, at home to The Gambia and Comoros, but were in no mood for gifts. In rainy conditions that made it hard to play, they took every gift Uganda gave them. The first goal came from a dead ball situation. No one tracked Skhiri as he headed home under no pressure at all in the 10th minute. They got the early goal which Put and Uganda dreaded. ‘We know they were very strong on the set pieces, but if you see what we have been doing after 10-12 minutes, that you take control on this issue, that you are in front, so that’s a bad sign,’ Put elaborated.
Falling behind
Clearly, he was frustrated that his charges did not react to falling behind. ‘Also, we were not aggressive enough. ‘If you play the Africa Cup, you know that you have to be there in the duels and that you have to win the duels, second balls, but today it was not. ‘I think we only had 20-25 minutes in the game, but without being dangerous, so that’s not enough for playing in the Africa Cup of Nations.’ The next questions for Put will surround his selection.
Losing defender Elio Capradossi on the eve of the game hit hard as Rogers Torach was asked to step up to partner Jordan Obita at the center. Having Melyvn Lorenzen start as the number 10 ahead of Allan Okelo was a curious decision too. The half chances Steven Mukwala and Rogers Mato fashioned and wasted left a bitter taste. With Nigeria beating Tanzania 2-1 in the other group C clash, Put and Uganda have it all to do to survive an early exit. They face Tanzania on Saturday in Rabat.
NUMBERS DON’T LIE
3 – Goals conceded by Uganda
1 – Uganda shot on target
6 – Consecutive Tunisia wins
10 – Minute of Tunisia’s first goal
25 – Minutes Uganda were
competitive, per Put
2 – Tunisia qualifier defeats before Afcon