Tanzania were cruelly denied a first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals as Uganda rescued a 1-1 draw with a late equaliser in a dramatic Group C contest.
Uganda, buoyed by a strong recent head-to-head record, were the sharper side early on and went close through Allan Okello, whose effort was pushed away by Zuberi Foba, before Rogers Mato saw a header crash back off the crossbar.
Tanzania struggled to impose themselves before the break and failed to register a shot on target, with Feisal Salum, Novatus Miroshi and Kelvin John all off target.
However, the Taifa Stars emerged with renewed purpose after half-time and were rewarded when Baba Alhassan was penalised for handball from Alphonce Msanga’s strike.
Simon Msuva stepped up and confidently sent Denis Onyango the wrong way to put Tanzania ahead, extending a remarkable personal record that has seen his side avoid defeat in each of his last 13 goalscoring internationals.
Uganda pushed hard for a response and eventually found it with ten minutes remaining. Substitute Denis Omedi delivered a teasing cross from the right and fellow replacement Uche Ikpeazu powered home a diving header to level the scores.
READ MORE:senegal-salvage-point-in-drama-filled-afcon-2025-clash-with-dr-congo
The Cranes then had a golden opportunity to snatch victory in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, but Okello blazed his effort over the crossbar, compounding the late drama.
Tanzania almost had the final say when Charles M’Mombwa fired narrowly wide in the dying moments, but the points were shared. Both teams remain in contention in Group C after collecting just one point apiece, though Tanzania’s wait for a first AFCON finals win goes on, while Uganda were left to reflect on missed chances.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The Cranes next face the Super Eagles who will face Tunisia tonight on match day 2 while Tanzania lockhorns with Carthage Eagles on match day 3.
