Either side of Omedi’s consolation, the Cranes – now losers in all seven editions of this fixture by an aggregate score of 19-2 – had Magoola to thank for tipping Mejbri’s long-range strike and Dylan Bronn’s header behind.
Uganda winger Rogers Mato has built a reputation for spectacular international goals and been prolific for Vardar in the North Macedonian league, but the 22-year-old found his chances limited in this match, firing wide from distance and finding Bronn in the way with an impressive intervention to head a curling shot behind.
Head coach Paul Put also gave 17-year-old James Bogere his debut after Tunisia’s third goal, rewarding the forward for his displays at this year’s Under-17 World Cup as he became the youngest player to feature in this year’s group stage so far.
While Belgian Put is yet to win an opening game at Afcon in four attempts with three nations, counterpart Trabelsi will hope this performance provides evidence he has a squad capable of repeating his run to the final with Tunisia as a player in 1996.
Trabelsi, who has sealed World Cup qualification since returning to the dugout in February, previously took his country to the 2012 Afcon quarter-finals during his first spell in charge.
With the likes of Achouri, Skhiri and Mejbri at their best, another knockout stage appearance is now within Tunisia’s reach.
