Africa Cup Of Nations | Saturday December 27 | Group C
- Uganda 1-1 Tanzania
Tanzania showed determination and resolve to hold Uganda to a 1-1 draw in a tense Group C clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, played under steady rain at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.
Once again, the Taifa Stars proved difficult to break down, frustrating a Uganda Cranes side that controlled long spells, created chances and came agonisingly close to victory, only to settle for a point.
Uganda head coach Paul Put made five changes after the loss to Tunisia, restoring balance to his side.
Bobosi Byaruhanga and Baba Alhassan anchored midfield, Travis Mutyaba pulled the strings in the No.10 role, while Rogers Kassim Mato and Allan Okello supported Jude Ssemugabi up front.
Denis Onyango captained the team, leading Uganda at AFCON for the first time in more than six years.
The Cranes began with confidence. Okello tested goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi early on, while Tanzania responded through Fei Toto’s long-range effort.
Uganda’s best moment of the half came when Abdu-Aziizi Kayondo’s cross found Mato, whose header struck the crossbar. Kayondo’s runs from the left and Mutyaba’s composure in attack kept Tanzania on the back foot.
Tanzania offered little going forward before the break, firing several efforts off target, while Onyango remained largely untroubled. Uganda went into halftime the better side, goalless but encouraged.
After the restart, the momentum shifted. Tanzania pressed higher and began to ask questions.
Their breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Baba Alhassan was penalised for handball. Saimon Msuva calmly converted the resulting penalty to give Tanzania the lead.
Uganda responded with urgency. Put turned to his bench, and as the rain grew heavier, the Cranes pushed forward.
The equaliser arrived in the 81st minute when Denis Omedi swung in a perfect cross and substitute Karl Uche Ikpeazu met it with a diving header to make it 1-1.
Late drama followed. Uganda were handed a golden chance to win it when James Bogere was fouled in the box. Allan Okello stepped up but sent his penalty over the bar, sinking to his knees in disbelief.
There was still time for more chaos. Tanzania missed a close-range chance, while Onyango made a sharp save to deny Msuva at the death. When the whistle finally blew, both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.
The draw gives each team their first point of the tournament. Tanzania will take pride in their resilience, while Uganda will reflect on what might have been after missed chances and a late penalty that slipped away.
Group C continues later with a heavyweight clash between Nigeria and Tunisia at 23:00 EAT
