Uganda were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against East African rivals Tanzania after a dramatic Group C encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, where a late equaliser from Uche Ikpeazu was followed by a missed penalty from Allan Okello, Afrosport reports.
Both sides collected their first points of the tournament, having begun their AFCON 2025 campaigns with defeats, Uganda losing to Tunisia and Tanzania falling to Nigeria.
Tanzania went ahead in the 59th minute when Simon Msuva calmly converted a penalty after a shot from Alphonce Msanga struck the arm of Uganda midfielder Baba Alhassan, which the referee judged to be in an unnatural position.
Msuva sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, blasting his effort into the roof of the net.
The goal put Tanzania on course for what would have been their first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in their 11th attempt. However, they were unable to protect their advantage.
Uganda struck back late on when Ikpeazu, of Nigerian heritage, showed great determination and strength to stoop and head home Denis Omedi’s cross from the right, bringing the Cranes level and shifting the momentum.
Moments later, Uganda were handed a golden opportunity to snatch all three points. Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed awarded a penalty after Haji Mnoga was penalised for pulling the shirt of James Bogere inside the box.
All eyes turned to Allan Okello, but the midfielder faltered under pressure, sending his spot kick sailing over the crossbar and letting Tanzania off the hook.
FULL-TIME! 🇺🇬🇹🇿
Uganda and Tanzania share the points in a 1-1 draw. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @tecnomobile pic.twitter.com/1qsdz862ow
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 27, 2025
The miss ensured the points were shared, leaving both teams still searching for their first win of the tournament as Group C remains finely balanced.
