Uganda’s quest for a breakthrough victory at the Africa Cup of Nations was cruelly stalled on a rain-soaked night in Rabat, as Allan Okello’s stoppage-time penalty sailed over the bar to condemn the Cranes to a dramatic 1–1 draw with Tanzania in Group C.
In a contest charged with tension, momentum swings and late drama, Uganda appeared poised to snatch all three points after substitute Uche Ikpeazu powered home a header late on. But football’s fine margins were laid bare moments later when Okello, facing the weight of expectation amid heavy rain and a crack of thunder, failed to convert from the spot in the 90th minute.
Full-Time! Uganda 1-1 Tanzania #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/RyLSBFovvc
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) December 27, 2025
The missed opportunity left both Uganda and Tanzania marooned on one point after two matches, trailing group leaders Nigeria and Tunisia and facing an uphill task to reach the knockout stage.
Tanzania had struck first shortly before the hour mark through Simon Msuva, who calmly dispatched a penalty after Alphonce Msanga’s effort struck the arm of Baba Alhassan inside the area. The goal carried historical significance for the Taifa Stars, who had endured a 10-match winless run at AFCON, while Msuva etched his name further into the record books by scoring at three separate tournaments.
Uganda, however, refused to fade quietly. After probing for long spells, the Cranes finally found a breakthrough with 10 minutes remaining. Ikpeazu, currently plying his trade with St Johnstone in Scotland, rose highest to meet a teasing delivery from fellow substitute Denis Omedi, sending the Ugandan supporters among the 10,540 crowd at Al Medina Stadium into raptures.
The drama was far from over. Deep into stoppage time, James Bogere was bundled over in the box by Haji Mnoga, handing Uganda a golden chance to complete a stunning turnaround. Okello assumed responsibility, but under unforgiving conditions, he blazed his effort over the crossbar, leaving players and fans alike stunned.
Earlier, the Cranes had come agonisingly close to opening the scoring when Rogers Mato’s header from an Aziz Kayondo cross rattled the underside of the crossbar in the first half, a moment that foreshadowed the night’s cruel twists.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇺🇬 1-1 🇹🇿
Shared points in Matchday 2 between Uganda and Tanzania in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025.
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) December 28, 2025
In the end, the stalemate offered little comfort to either side. With the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament now running out of room for error, Uganda and Tanzania must both deliver decisive performances in their final group fixtures to keep their AFCON dreams alive.
