Tunisia want to be part of history at AFCON 2025 – Trabelsi

Tunisia national team head coach Samy Trabelsi has revealed their desire to make history as they kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Carthage Eagles, who are drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, will get off their campaign under way against the Cranes at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah on Tuesday.

Ahead of the fixture which they have dominated in recent years, Trabelsi admitted their focus is to write a new chapter history at the end of the AFCON.

Uganda are no pushovers

“For every coach, a competition like this comes with a lot of pride and pressure to do our best because it is a historic event. We want to be part of history. We are in a brotherly country and we are impressed with the infrastructure,” Trabelsi told reporters as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“We are happy with the weather, which is similar to Tunisia. Our players are confident, focused, and ready to give their best. We are playing against quality opposition.

“The statistics are there, and we have faced challenges ahead of the competition. What we saw recently shows the reality of African football—every team is playing at a high level and can make things difficult.”

His sentiments were echoed by midfielder Elyes Skhiri, who said: “The squad is in good shape and in condition to deliver a solid performance. We have been together in camp, working hard as a collective to gel and play well.

“We know the disappointment of previous editions. Football is always evolving and we cannot rest on our laurels. We must compete to win and not take any team for granted. We have to start the tournament strong. Uganda are no pushovers and will be out to play for a win.”

The fixture will be the third meeting between the two nations in the history of the AFCON tournament. The first meeting between the two sides was in 1962 when they faced off in the third-place play-off.

Tunisia emerged winners to claim the bronze medal after registering a 3-0 win. The two teams met again in the group stage of the 1978 edition, and the Carthage Eagles once again ran away winners following a 3-1 win.