AFCON: All square between Tanzania and Uganda in EA derby

Uche Ikpeazu handed Uganda their first point at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the Cranes came back for a 1-1 draw with neighbors Tanzania.

The draw leaves both teams needing a victory on Tuesday’s final day of action from Group C. Simon Msuva gave the Taifa Stars the lead around the hour mark but Ikpeazu’s header salvaged a point for the Cranes in the final stretch.

The two opponents, who know each other well from regional clashes, largely cancelled each other out for long stretches. It was a promising start for Uganda, who did look more dangerous in the first half with Rogers Mato hitting the crossbar after getting on the end of an Aziz Kayondo cross in the 16th minute.

But a costly error from the Cranes came early in the second half when Tanzania midfielder Alphonce Msanga collected the ball outside the penalty area to shoot and his effort came off the outstretched arm of Cranes midfielder Baba Alhassan.

The referee showed no hesitation pointing to the spot and Msuva placed his spot kick into the top corner past goalkeeping legend Denis Onyango, who earned his first start for the Cranes in the tournament.

However, there was a late twist and Uganda poured water on the joy of their neighbors when Ikpeazu got on the end of a Denis Omedi cross to head past Taifa Stars keeper Zuberi Foba. A heavy rain fell towards the end and the subsequent increase in action led to a dramatic ending when Cranes substitute James Bogere was pulled down in the box.

But Allan Okello failed to convert at a crucial moment when he sent his spot kick high over the bar to deny the Cranes a shock comeback victory. Shortly after, the Taifa Stars had an excellent chance after an unconvincing moment from Onyango but the resulting shot went just wide to complete a dramatic final stretch.

Now both teams must win their final Group C matches to have any chance of advancing to the Round of 16. The Cranes will face Nigeria while Tanzania clash with Tunisia in must-win clashes.

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