Tanzania and Uganda played out an entertaining 1–1 draw in a fiercely contested East African derby at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025, leaving both teams in a precarious position as Group C heads towards its decisive final match day.
The match, held at the Al Medina Stadium, lived up to its billing as a high-intensity encounter between two neighbours desperate for their first points of the tournament. Tanzania took the lead in the 58th minute when Simon Msuva calmly converted a penalty after Uganda’s Baba Alhassan was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Msuva’s composed finish sent the Tanzanian contingent into raptures as the Taifa Stars threatened to record a historic first AFCON victory.
But Uganda refused to lie down. With relentless pressure and attacking urgency, the Cranes fought their way back into the contest, and in the 80th minute substitute Karl Ikpeazu rose highest to head home from a precise Dennis Omedi cross, restoring parity and sparking renewed hope among the Ugandan supporters.
The tension peaked late, deep into added time, when Uganda were awarded a penalty that could have secured all three points. Unfortunately for the Cranes, Allan Okello’s spot-kick sailed over the crossbar, leaving players and fans alike crestfallen as the final whistle blew.
The draw leaves both sides in a challenging spot in Group C, each now with only one point from two matches — a situation that means qualification for the knockout stage remains firmly in the balance ahead of their final group fixtures later this week.
Uganda head coach Paul Put acknowledged the frustration of missing out on victory but urged his young squad to maintain belief. “I think we didn’t deserve a draw,” Put said after the match. “We had more possession, more chances, and a late penalty opportunity. That is very painful, but that is part of football. We have a very young team, and my responsibility is also to build a team for 2027. We must keep belief and prepare well for the match against Nigeria, which will not be easy.”
Tanzania’s performance drew praise despite the shared points. Their coach, Miguel Ángel Gamondi, spoke of pride in his side’s effort. “We are a little disappointed that we did not win,” he said. “But I believe we had a very good game with high intensity. We created chances, we dominated at times, and we were dangerous. We feel sorry for the Tanzanian people that we couldn’t take all three points, but we continue working hard in this tough competition.”
Tanzanian goalkeeper Foba Zuberi also impressed, making crucial saves throughout the match to keep the scoreline level after Tanzania had conceded their equaliser. Meanwhile, veteran Uganda keeper Dennis Onyango helped thwart Tanzania’s aerial threats and provided calm leadership from the back.
Both teams now face must-win scenarios in their final Group C fixtures — Tanzania will meet Tunisia, while Uganda are set to play Nigeria. The outcomes of those matches will determine which nation advances to the AFCON 2025 round of 16, with neither side currently in a comfortable position.
