RABAT, Morocco — Tanzania secured a historic place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night after a determined 1–1 draw against Tunisia in their final Group C encounter.
The result delivered Tanzania’s second point of the tournament — enough to qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams — and marked the nation’s first ever progression beyond the AFCON group stage.
Feisal Salum struck just three minutes after the restart, unleashing a powerful effort that slipped past Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen in rainy conditions in Rabat.
The goal canceled out Tunisia’s first-half advantage, which had come from a 43rd-minute penalty converted by Ismael Gharbi.
Tunisia were awarded the spot-kick after Tanzanian defender Ibrahim Abdallah was penalized for a handball in the box.
Gharbi, who had earlier rattled the woodwork with a left-footed effort from the right side of the area, made no mistake from the spot.
Group C standings finalized
The draw confirmed Tunisia’s second-place finish in Group C behind Nigeria, who defeated Uganda 3–1 in Fes. Tanzania finished third, advancing on the narrowest of margins.
The result eliminated Angola from the tournament. Both Tanzania and Angola ended with two points and a goal difference of minus one, but Tanzania progressed on goals scored — three to Angola’s two.
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It is the first time since AFCON expanded to 24 teams in 2019 that a nation with just two points has qualified among the best third-placed finishers.
Historic milestone for Tanzania
This qualification represents a major breakthrough for Tanzania, who will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Despite the achievement, the Taifa Stars are still searching for their first AFCON victory at the finals, having now recorded five draws and seven defeats in 12 tournament matches.
Knockout fixtures set
Tunisia will face Mali in Casablanca on Saturday 3, 2026 in the round of 16.
Tanzania is scheduled for a daunting test against tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Sunday 4, 2026.
