Rabat, Morocco: Uganda Cranes were left ruing missed chances after settling for a 1–1 draw with Tanzania Taifa Stars in a tense AFCON 2025 Group C East African derby at Al Medina Stadium on Saturday night.
Uganda dominated large spells of the contest, creating a flurry of opportunities, especially in the first half, but poor finishing inside the Tanzanian box meant the Cranes went into the break without reward despite their superiority in the duel.
Tanzania, calm and disciplined, resurrected at the restart with a game plan, and it took just a quarter of the second half to take the lead.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Mabula’s shot deflected off the arm of Baba Alhassan inside the area, leaving Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed with no option but to point to the spot. Simon Msuva stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty, sending the ball high into the net.
Uganda responded with urgency and were rewarded late on when substitute Karl Uchechwukwu Ikpeazu restored parity in the 80th minute, rising highest to nod home a precise header after a well-delivered cross from Denis Omedi.
The Cranes pushed hard for a winner, and late drama followed in stoppage time when 17-year-old James Bogere was brought down in the box by Haji Mnoga, earning Uganda a penalty in the 90th minute.
However, Allan Okello, dubbed “Starboy”, sent the decisive kick over the bar, crushing Uganda’s hopes of a dramatic victory as both sides settled for a point.
The result leaves Uganda and Tanzania third and fourth, respectively in Group C, with qualification hopes still finely balanced as the tournament progresses.
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