By Business Insider Reporter
At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tanzania and Tunisia played to a 1–1 draw at the end of a largely subdued contest, Tanzania coming from a goal down to equalize in a result that caried significant implications for the group standings.
Tunisia enjoyed early control of possession but struggled to raise the tempo. After a series of attacks and threat at goal from Ismael Gharbi, including a cracking left foot curler that struck the post, the Carthage Eagles were eventually rewarded in the 42nd minute.
Hazem Mastouri was fouled in the box by Bakari Mwamnyeto and following a lengthy VAR review, Tunisia was awarded a penalty. Gharbi stepped up to convert, giving Tunisia a deserved lead.
The North Africans went into the break 1–0 ahead after a first half that was low on rhythm but comfortably managed.
After the restart, Tunisia opted to protect their advantage rather than push on. That cautious approach gradually invited Tanzania back into the game, with the Taifa Stars growing in confidence and intent.
The ambitious Tanzanians finally found their moment in the 54th minute. Midfielder maestro, Feisal Salum, curled a fine effort from the edge of the area, the bounce catching goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen off guard as the ball nestled into the net.
The closing stages lacked intensity, as both sides made multiple substitutions and appeared content with the outcome. Tanzania, aware that the point could place them among the best third-placed teams, managed the clock intelligently.
The 1–1 draw officially secured Tunisia’s qualification to the Round of 16 on second place in the group, while Tanzania preserved a strong chance of progression as one of the best four third placed ranked teams.
Post-match reactions
Commenting on the game, Tunisia coach, Sami Trabelsi said: “The most important thing was to secure qualification. We have not done well in this competition in recent years and that is why qualification is so important. We may not have played the best way possible, but we are very happy to have qualified. We will be playing against stronger opposition in our upcoming games and will really need to play better because the level of competition will be even higher and requires us to improve”
For his part, Tanzania’s Miguel Gamondi said: “I didn’t have enough time to prepare the team, but we worked together with the management and federation and feel very proud. Not just for myself but for the country. I wanted to change this mentality of underdogs. To qualify is a great learning for Tanzania who must be proud. I hope this will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players on the potential of Tanzanian football”
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
In another Group C encounter, Nigeria edged Uganda 3-1 to book their space into the last 16.
Nigeria confirmed their place at the top of group with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Uganda in their final group match played on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, officially ending Uganda’s campaign in the competition.
The Super Eagles entered the contest following two victories over Tanzania and Tunisia, while Uganda had an open chance but needed maximum points.
It was the 2023 edition runners-up, Nigeria who took the lead in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu finished from close range, steering the ball into the bottom left corner after a precise assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The goal followed sustained Nigerian pressure and came shortly after Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango had produced a fine save to deny the same striker.
Uganda made multiple changes at the start of the second half, but their task became more difficult in the 56th minute when Salim Magoola was shown a red card for handball. Nigeria capitalised on their numerical advantage soon after.
In the 62nd minute, Raphael Onyedika doubled Nigeria’s lead with a composed right-footed finish from the right side of the box, assisted by Samuel Chukwueze. Just five minutes later, Onyedika struck again, this time finishing from the centre of the area to make it 3-0, once more following a Chukwueze assist.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Uganda continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 75th minute when Rogers Mato pulled one back, slotting home from the centre of the box after being played through by Allan Okello.
Nigeria responded by managing the closing stages professionally, making several substitutions to see out the match. The result sees the Super Eagles finishing top of the group with three wins in as many games, while the Uganda Cranes see the campaign come to an end.
