RABAT, Morocco — Uganda and Tanzania shared the spoils in a pulsating Group C encounter on Saturday, a result that keeps both teams’ knockout stage hopes alive but leaves them facing daunting “must-win” scenarios in their final fixtures.
Having recently met in a July friendly where Tanzania edged a 1-0 win, the stakes in Rabat were significantly higher following Uganda’s 3-1 loss to Tunisia and Tanzania’s 2-1 defeat by Nigeria.
First Half: Cranes assert dominance
The Uganda Cranes entered the pitch with aggressive intent, pinning the Taifa Stars in their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes.
The first significant opening arrived in the eighth minute when Allan Okello forced a brilliant save from Tanzanian custodian Zuberi Foba.
Uganda’s pressure nearly paid off in the 15th minute when a thunderous strike rattled the woodwork. Despite the rebound falling to a Ugandan attacker, a quick-thinking Tanzanian defense cleared the danger.
By halftime, the score remained 0-0, with Tanzania relying on disciplined organization to weather the Ugandan storm.
Second Half: Penalty drama at both ends
The game ignited in the 56th minute when the referee awarded Tanzania a penalty following a handball inside the area.
Although veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango managed to get a hand to the strike, Simon Msuva was clinical in his conversion, breaking the deadlock and handing the Taifa Stars a 1-0 lead.
Uganda’s head coach responded with a tactical reshuffle, introducing youngster James Bogere and striker Uche Ikpeazu.
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The gamble paid dividends late in the game; as a heavy downpour began to drench the Al Medina pitch, Ikpeazu rose highest to head home a vital equalizer, reigniting the Ugandan bench.
The heartbreak in the 87th minute
The drama reached its peak three minutes from time when James Bogere was brought down inside the box, earning Uganda a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Allan Okello stepped up to the spot, but his effort sailed agonizingly over the crossbar, leaving the Cranes to rue what could have been a decisive victory.
Tanzania nearly snatched a win in the dying moments with two late chances, but Onyango remained steadfast, ensuring the points were split.
