AFCON 2025 Group C Final Standings
Nigeria – 9 points
Tunisia – 4 points
Tanzania – 2 points
Uganda – 1 point
Fez, Morocco: Uganda Cranes’ Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in disappointment on Tuesday night following a humbling 3–1 defeat to Nigeria Super Eagles, which confirmed a group-stage exit without a single win at this year’s edition of the continental tournament.
The Super Eagles dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, pressing high and pinning Uganda Cranes deep in their own half, and their early control paid off in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu tapped in from close range after a precise delivery from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, giving Nigeria a deserved lead.
Uganda struggled to settle, creating little in attack as Karl Uche Ikpeazu cut an isolated figure up front. Several set-piece opportunities were wasted, while captain Denis Onyango was called into action repeatedly, making key saves but receiving treatment on multiple occasions before being withdrawn at halftime.
The match turned decisively in the 57th minute when the skipper’s replacement in goal, Salim Jamal Magoola, was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area while attempting to deny Victor Osimhen, leaving Uganda reduced to ten men.
Nafian Alionzi was then introduced, making Uganda the first team at the tournament to deploy three goalkeepers in a single match.
Nigeria ruthlessly exploited the numerical advantage, and 5 minutes later, Raphael Onyedika struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 62nd and 66th minutes to put the game beyond Uganda’s reach at 3–0.
The Cranes managed a brief response in the 75th minute, when Rogers Kassim Mato finished off a well-worked move involving Allan Okello, lifting the spirits of the 11,545 fans in attendance. But Nigeria calmly slowed the tempo and comfortably saw out the contest.
The win meant Nigeria completed a perfect Group C campaign with nine points, while Uganda finished bottom with just one point, having conceded the most goals in the group.
Elsewhere in the group, Tanzania Taifa Stars drew 1–1 with Tunisia, a result that secured both teams’ progression alongside Nigeria, with the Taifa Stars making it to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Uganda’s campaign featured a 3–1 defeat to Tunisia, a 1–1 draw with Tanzania, and a 3–1 loss to Nigeria, extending the Cranes’ long wait for a first-ever AFCON finals victory.
For head coach Joseph Paul Put, the tournament offered moments of promise but ultimately underlined the gulf in consistency, discipline, and cutting-edge required at the highest continental level.
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