By: Ahabu Bwesigye
Today, the Uganda Cranes begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Tunisia, and one player football lovers will be watching closely is Toby Sibbick.
Sibbick, who currently plays his club football for English side Burton Albion, could have an important role to play at the heart of the Cranes’ backline.
With Elio Capradossi missing from the centre of defence, Sibbick could have an important role to play at the heart of the Cranes’ backline.
The challenge is significant. Tunisia have dominated the historical meetings between the two sides, winning all six official encounters. They have also outscored Uganda 19-2 across those matches.
But history is history. Today is a different game, with different players and another opportunity for the Cranes.
For Sibbick, it will be about positioning, composure, communication and winning those crucial defensive battles. Without Capradossi, his ability to bring stability to the backline could become one of the biggest talking points of the match.
Can Sibbick step up at the heart of the Cranes’ defence when Uganda need him most?
That is one question everyone will be watching closely in Tunisia.
TOBY SIBBICK - UGANDA CRANES SUMMARY
- Current club: Burton Albion, England
- Appearances: 10
- Starts: 10
- Goals: 0
- Wins: 3
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 4
- World Cup qualifiers: 3 appearances - 2 wins, 1 loss
- AFCON 2025: 3 appearances - 1 draw, 2 losses
- Uganda debut: 26 March 2024 vs Ghana - 2-2 draw
- Position: Defender, with experience at centre-back, right-back and defensive midfield
- Against Tunisia: Played in Uganda’s 3-1 defeat to Tunisia at AFCON 2025
TUNISIA vs UGANDA - ALL SIX MEETINGS
The two countries have met six times in official international matches, with Tunisia winning every encounter.
1. 20 January 1962 - Tunisia 3-0 Uganda - AFCON
2. 9 March 1978 - Tunisia 3-1 Uganda - AFCON group stage
3. 27 February 1999 - Tunisia 6-0 Uganda - AFCON qualifier
4. 10 April 1999 - Uganda 0-2 Tunisia - AFCON qualifier
5. 4 January 2017 - Tunisia 2-0 Uganda - International friendly
6. 23 December 2025 - Tunisia 3-1 Uganda - AFCON group stage
OVERALL HEAD-TO-HEAD
- Matches: 6
- Tunisia wins: 6
- Uganda wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Tunisia goals: 19
- Uganda goals: 2
- Goal difference: Tunisia +17
Tunisia have won all six meetings, scoring 19 goals and conceding only two.
THE DEFENSIVE OPTIONS
For the Uganda Cranes squad called up for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya, the defenders are Toby Sibbick, Jonathan Odongo, Rogers Torach, Aziz Kayondo, Herbert Achayi, Herbert Bockhorn, Nathan Asiimwe, Geofrey Lubanga Kene, Hillary Mukundane and Gavin Kizito.
So, who will line up alongside Toby Sibbick and help him command the Cranes’ defence?
TUNISIA vs UGANDA - SIBBICK’S BIG TEST, ELIO CAPRADOSSI MISSING
