Tanzania make history with draw to reach AFCON round of 16 as Uganda bow out
- Created by AVDelta Sports Desk
- Football
Tunisia took an early lead through a penalty before Feisal Salum’s powerful strike in the second half.
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars have advanced to the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco, marking a milestone in the nation’s football history.
Tanzania secured their place in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in Rabat on Tuesday, a result that ensured they finished as one of the best third-placed teams across the group phase.
Tunisia took an early lead through a penalty before Feisal Salum’s powerful strike in the second half earned the East African side a crucial point and a berth in the last 16.
East Africa’s other representative, Uganda’s Cranes, were eliminated from the tournament following a 3-1 loss to Nigeria in their final Group C match in Fez.
The defeat confirmed Uganda’s exit from AFCON 2025, with the Cranes finishing bottom of the group with just one point from three matches.
Matooke Republic
Nigeria, already assured of top spot, delivered a commanding performance.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring, and Raphael Onyedika added a brace to seal a perfect group stage for the Super Eagles.
Uganda pulled one back through Rogers Mato late in the game, but the result was not enough to keep their campaign alive.
The match was notable for its unusual twists, with Uganda forced to use three different goalkeepers after injury and a red card disrupted their defensive plans.
With the group stage complete, the 16 teams advancing to the AFCON knockout phase are now confirmed.
They include traditional heavyweights and emerging challengers:
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Tunisia
- Tanzania
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- Cameroon
- Mali
- South Africa
- Burkina Faso
- Benin
- DR Congo
- Sudan
- Mozambique
Tanzania’s progress marks their best performance in AFCON history, having never before advanced past the group stage.
Their reward is a last-16 tie against hosts Morocco, while Tunisia will face Mali.
Meanwhile, Uganda now turns its focus to preparation for AFCON 2027, where they will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania, hoping to use the experience gained in Morocco to return stronger on home soil.
