Uganda Cranes were left with a sense of frustration after being held to a 1–1 draw by East African rivals Tanzania in a dramatic Group C encounter of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 at Al Medina Stadium on Saturday night.
The Cranes looked on course for a vital first win of the tournament but a missed penalty in the closing moments meant both sides settled for a share of the points, leaving the group delicately poised heading into the final round of matches.
Uganda showed early intent despite the heavy rain and difficult playing surface. Rogers Mato came closest in the first half when his powerful header crashed against the underside of the crossbar as the Cranes pressed for an opener.
Tanzania struck first in the 59th minute following a handball decision against Baba Alhassan inside the penalty area. Simon Msuva made no mistake from the spot to give the Taifa Stars the lead.
The response from Uganda was immediate and positive. Head coach Paul Joseph Put introduced Denis Omedi and Uche Ikpeazu as the Cranes increased the tempo and forced Tanzania deeper. The tactical changes paid off in the 80th minute when Omedi delivered a precise cross into the area and Ikpeazu rose highest to head home the equaliser.
Uganda were then presented with a golden opportunity to complete the comeback in stoppage time after James Bogere was brought down in the box. However Allan Okello’s penalty attempt sailed over the crossbar, bringing a dramatic end to the contest.
Speaking after the match, Paul Put reflected on the performance, the missed opportunity and the wider responsibility of building a competitive team for the future.
Paul Put – Uganda Cranes Head Coach
‘I think we didn’t deserve a draw. I think we had more opportunities. If you look at the ball possession, we had more of it. We also missed a penalty which is very painful but that is a part of football. We have a very young team so my responsibility is also to build a team for 2027 because we are the host country. I spoke to the players and informed that they we need to keep the belief. You have to play until the last game. Yes we are disappointed, but we need to reset the mindset and prepare for the match against Nigeria which we know will not be easy.’
Uganda now faces a decisive final Group C fixture against Nigeria, knowing that victory will be required to keep hopes of progression at the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 alive.
Final score: Uganda 1 Tanzania 1
Scorers: Ikpeazu 80’ (Uganda), Msuva 59’ pen (Tanzania)
Lineups
Pictorial
