First Time In 45 Years! Tanzania Play Out 1-1 Draw With Tunisia To…

Tanzania’s players pose before their AFCON group match against Tunisia. (AP Photo)

Tanzania advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage for the first time since their debut 45 years ago, after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Rabat on Tuesday. Ismael Gharbi scored a penalty for Tunisia just before half-time, while Feisal Salum equalised early in the second half.

Tanzania, who have been striving to progress beyond the group stage since 1980, secured their spot in the round of 16 with two draws and one loss. Despite not yet winning in 12 matches over four appearances, they edged out Angola on goals scored to claim one of the four places reserved for third-placed teams. Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind group leaders Nigeria.

In the other Group C match, Raphael Onyedika scored twice as already-qualified Nigeria defeated 10-man Uganda 3-1, maintaining a perfect record after the group stage.

Tanzania will face hosts and title favourites Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, while Tunisia will play against Mali a day earlier. Nigeria are set to meet the third-placed team in Group F, currently Mozambique, on Monday in Fes.

Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi, who replaced local Hemed Suleiman last month, expressed pride in his team’s achievement. “We did not have enough time to prepare the team, but worked together with the federation,” he said. “To qualify is great for Tanzania. I hope this success will remind the players and future generations of the potential of Tanzanian football.”

Gamondi made three changes to the team that drew with Uganda, giving 33-year-old goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga his AFCON debut. Meanwhile, Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi benched 33-year-old captain Ferjani Sassi, who later came on to win his 100th cap.

Tunisia had a slight edge in possession and took the lead on 43 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty after a VAR review showed Ibrahim Hamad fouling Hazem Mastouri. Gharbi converted the spot kick. However, Tanzania’s Salum levelled the score two minutes into the second half with a shot from beyond the D that slipped past Aymen Dahmen.

In Fes, Nigeria went ahead after 28 minutes through a well-constructed move. A clever pass from Bruno Onyemaechi set up Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for a low cross that Onuachu netted despite tight defence. Uganda’s hopes dwindled on 56 minutes when goalkeeper Salim Magoola was red-carded for handling outside the area, shortly after replacing injured 40-year-old captain Denis Onyango. Raphael Onyedika then scored twice within eight minutes, assisted both times by Samuel Chukwueze, extending Nigeria’s lead to three goals.

Rogers Mato scored a consolation goal for Uganda on 75 minutes. Uganda, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, will co-host the next AFCON in 2027.

With AFP Inputs