FCA trio off to a winning start at Africa Cup of Nations
Essende, Saad and Gharbi all enjoy success
First Team
24.12.2025, 09:56
FC Augsburg’s Samuel Essende (DR Congo), Elias Saad and Ismael Gharbi (both Tunisia) have all started the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with victories.
DR Kongo 1-0 Benin
DR Congo opened their AFCON campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Benin. In a game short on clear-cut chances, Théo Bongonda struck early in the 16th minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake by the Cheetahs. Benin enjoyed more possession but offered little threat going forward. A second Congolese goal was ruled out following a VAR check, while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau preserved the lead with a crucial save shortly before full time.
FCA striker Samuel Essende was an unused substitute. Steve Mounié, currently on loan from FC Augsburg to Alanyaspor, followed the game from the stands as he was suspended after picking up a yellow card during qualifying and was therefore not yet eligible for selection by head coach Gernot Rohr.
Tunisia 3-1 Uganda
Tunisia recorded a comfortable opening win against Uganda. Ellyes Skhiri put the favourites ahead early on (10’), before Elias Achouri doubled the lead with a volley just before the break (40’). Achouri added his second after the restart to make it 3-0 (64’). Uganda struggled to create chances and only managed a late consolation through Denis Omedi (90’).
Elias Saad started the match and was substituted after 55 minutes, while Ismael Gharbi came on in the 82nd minute.
Tunisia face Nigeria on Saturday, 27th December, while DR Congo take on Senegal on the same day.
