Rabat, Morocco: Uganda Cranes were left heartbroken after ‘Starboy’ Allan Okello missed a late penalty as Uganda settled for a 1–1 draw against Tanzania Taifa Stars in a tense Group C clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The result denied Uganda a chance to register their first-ever AFCON win at this year’s edition and leaves the Cranes with one point from two matches, heading into a decisive final group game.
Uganda head coach Paul Put made five changes from the side that lost 3–1 to Tunisia, recalling veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango to captain the team. Travis Mutyaba, Baba Alhassan, Allan Okello, and Bobosi Byaruhanga were also drafted into the starting XI, while Kenneth Ssemakula, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Jude Ssemugabi, and Rogers Kassim Mato retained their places.
Uganda dominated the first half, creating several clear chances but failing to convert. The closest came when Alhassan Baba powered a header against the crossbar following a fine delivery from Abdu-Aziz Kayondo, who was lively throughout and combined well with Mutyaba down the left.
Tanzania rarely threatened, with Onyango largely untested as John Kalvin, Novatus Miroshi, and Simon Msuva fired off target.
But the deadlock was broken shortly after the restart. In the 57th minute, Tanzania were awarded a penalty after Baba Alhassan was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. A minute later, Simon Msuva, who plies his trade for Iraqi side Al-Talaba SC, calmly converted from the spot to put Tanzania 1–0 ahead.
Uganda responded with urgency, and Put’s substitutions paid off. In the 81st minute, substitute Karl Uchechukwu Ikpeazu rose highest to head home from a Denis Omedi’s cross, with two substitutes combining to restore parity.
Late drama followed when James Bogere was brought down in the box, and Uganda were awarded a penalty with minutes remaining, but Vipers SC forward Allan Okello sent his effort over the crossbar, drawing gasps from the Ugandan bench.
Tanzania nearly snatched victory in stoppage time when Msuva capitalised on a loose ball, but Onyango reacted sharply to deny him and kept the scores level.
The draw leaves Uganda still searching for a first victory at AFCON 2025 and languishing at the bottom with a point ahead of a final Group C clash against African giants Nigeria.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
