Uganda Cranes might have had a false start to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 3-1 loss to Tunisia in their group C opener on Tuesday but there were at least some few positives to pick.
The Eagles of Carthage cruised to a commanding 3-1 win at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah in Rabat to take early charge of group C.
One of the best performers on the day for Tunisia was midfielder Mejbri Hannibal who covered every blade of grass and ochestrated proceedings in the midfield alongside his captain Ferjani Sassi.
Hannibal who plies for Burnley in the Premier League believes it was imprtant for the team to start with victory and attributed their perfect start to their recent good run.
“It was important for us to start with victory. Obviously, it gives us momentum going into the next games and I believe we have had a good run, right from the World Cup qualifiers which could be important in our AFCON journey,” he said.
The Manchester United academy graduate was quick to indicate “ They (Uganda) were a good tema but the conditions were a bit difficult for them but I hope they have a good tournament.”
Asked if he was impressed by any player in the Uganda Cranes team, Hannibal pointed out Travis Mutyaba.
“The whole team was good but number ten was outstanding for me.”
It should be noted that Mutyaba who plies his trade at CS Sfaxien in Tunisia came on at the start of the second half, replacing Melyvn Lorezen.
Uganda Cranes return to action on Saturday against Tanzania while Tunisia will face Nigeria on the same day.
