Matchday 3 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 delivered authority, drama and fine margins, as Tunisia impressed against Uganda, Nigeria relied on Ademola Lookman’s instant response to secure three points, Senegal underlined their pedigree, and DR Congo claimed a narrow but vital win over Benin.
Tunisia 3–1 Uganda
Tunisia began their Group C campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3–1 victory over Uganda at the Annex Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
The Carthage Eagles wasted little time asserting control, opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Elyes Skhiri finished off a slick passing move. Tunisia’s dominance was rewarded again just before the break as Elias Achouri showed composure inside the area to make it 2–0 in the 40th minute.
After the interval, Tunisia remained organised and purposeful. Achouri completed his brace in the 64th minute with a clinical finish that put the contest beyond Uganda’s reach.
Uganda managed a late consolation in stoppage time through Denis Omedi, but the result was already settled. Tunisia’s performance sent a clear early message of intent in the group.
Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
Nigeria opened their tournament with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Tanzania, sealed by a moment of quality from Ademola Lookman barely a minute after the Taifa Stars had equalised.
The Super Eagles controlled the first half and took the lead in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi powered home a header from an Alex Iwobi corner. Tanzania were fortunate to trail by only one goal at the break.
Early in the second half, Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside, and Tanzania capitalised soon after when Charles M’Mbowa finished calmly to make it 1–1.
Nigeria responded immediately. Lookman curled a superb effort from the edge of the area to restore the lead and swing momentum decisively back in Nigeria’s favour.
From there, Eric Chelle’s side managed the game well, withstanding late pressure to secure a valuable opening victory.
Senegal 3–0 Botswana
Senegal laid down an early marker with a commanding 3–0 win over Botswana in Tangier, led by a brace from Nicolas Jackson.
Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko produced several outstanding saves in the first half, but Senegal’s pressure finally told in the 40th minute when Jackson converted Ismail Jakobs’ cross.
Jackson doubled his tally in the 58th minute after being played through by Ismaila Sarr, before Cherif Ndiaye added a third late on to complete a dominant display.
The result confirmed Senegal’s status as one of the tournament favourites, while Botswana were left to regroup after being outplayed.
DR Congo 1–0 Benin
DR Congo claimed a disciplined 1–0 victory over Benin at the Al Madina Stadium, thanks to Théo Bongonda’s first-half strike.
Bongonda capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the 16th minute to score what proved to be the decisive goal. DR Congo controlled long spells and threatened to extend their lead, but were unable to add a second.
Benin pushed in the closing stages and showed resilience despite missing several key players, yet lacked the cutting edge to break down a well-organised Congolese defence.
The Leopards saw out the contest with composure to collect maximum points and a clean sheet.
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