Karl Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru stood drenched by the Rabat rain but glowing with pride after delivering one of the most personal moments of Uganda’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The substitute forward, scoring his first goal for the Uganda Cranes, spoke with pure joy after rescuing a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in a tense Group C clash at Al Medina Stadium on Saturday night.
“Scoring goals is amazing,” Uche said, still trying to process it all. “I grew up watching this tournament, watching idols like Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré. Just being here is a blessing. But to score I can’t explain it. It’s probably the best feeling of my career.”
His moment came in the 81st minute, when defeat seemed near. Denis Omedi sent in a teasing cross from the right and Uche hurled himself forward, guiding a brave diving header past the Tanzanian goalkeeper to spark wild celebrations among the Cranes supporters.
Tanzania had gone ahead in the 57th minute after Baba Alhassan was penalised for handball in the box. Saimon Msuva calmly converted the penalty, giving the Taifa Stars the lead on a night played under steady rain and rising tension.
Uganda refused to surrender, pushing forward until Uche found his moment.
For the forward, born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, the goal meant far more than a point. Holding back emotion, he dedicated it to his late grandparents on his mother’s side.
“If I was to dedicate this goal, it would be to my grandparents,” he said. “They’re no longer here. But if they knew their grandson scored at a major tournament to help Uganda get a point at the Africa Cup of Nations, I think they’d be proud. This is for them.”
The final whistle sealed a 1-1 draw that keeps Uganda’s hopes alive ahead of their last Group C match.
Uche’s story adds another twist, next up Cranes face Nigeria on Wednesday December 30, the country of his father’s birth.
