AFCON 2025: James Bogere’s Historic Feat During Uganda Cranes’ Loss to Tunisia

Uganda's return to the Africa Cup of Nations was marked by a historic milestone for teenager James Bogere, though the team ultimately fell 3-1 to a clinical Tunisian side in their Group C opener.

At just 17 years and 10 months old, Bogere became the second-youngest player to ever feature in an AFCON tournament. His appearance at the Olympic Stadium in Morocco is surpassed only by Gabon's Shiva N’Zigou, who debuted at 16 in 2000. It also made him the youngest Ugandan to play at the finals since 1974, signaling a bright future amidst a disappointing team result.

On a rainy Tuesday night, Tunisia asserted their dominance early. Eintracht Frankfurt's Ellyes Skhiri broke the deadlock just 10 minutes in, heading home a precise corner from Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri. The Carthage Eagles continued to press, and their efforts paid off again five minutes before halftime when FC Copenhagen's Mohamed Elyes Achouri tapped in from close range to give them a commanding 2-0 lead.

Uganda attempted to shift the momentum after the break, introducing Denis Omedi for Jude Ssemugabi. While the substitution injected some life into the Cranes' attack, Tunisia's defense remained composed, effectively neutralizing any significant threats.

Achouri sealed the victory for Tunisia late in the game, completing his brace to make it 3-0. However, Uganda managed a late consolation goal. A promising build-up involving Allan Okello and Toby Sibbick allowed Omedi to get a shot off, which took a heavy deflection before finding the back of the net.

Bogere's inclusion in the senior squad follows a string of impressive displays at the youth level, where he scored five goals in eight appearances across the AFCON U17 and FIFA U17 World Cup tournaments. His sharp movement and natural goal-scoring instincts earned him a move to Denmark, where his development is expected to accelerate in a professional European environment.

In the other Group C fixture, Nigeria secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Fes. The results leave Tunisia at the top of the group on goal difference, with Nigeria in second. Uganda and Tanzania are both yet to register a point.

The Cranes will look to bounce back in a crucial match against Tanzania on Saturday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. On the same day, group leaders Tunisia and Nigeria will face off at the Fez Stadium. While the opening loss was a setback, Bogere's historic debut provided a glimpse of a new generation ready to make its mark on Africa's biggest stage.