In a historic night for East African football, Tanzania has finally shattered a 45-year-old curse, securing a place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 for the very first time since their tournament debut. The milestone was achieved with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Tunisia in their final Group C match in Rabat, Morocco.
A Tale of Two Halves in Rabat
The match followed a dramatic script, with the momentum swinging decisively after the break. Tunisia seized the initiative just before half-time after a VAR review spotted an infringement in the Tanzanian penalty area. Ismael Gharbi stepped up and coolly converted the resulting spot-kick, sending the North African side into the dressing room with a lead.
However, the Taifa Stars of Tanzania refused to be cowed. They came out with renewed purpose in the second half and found their equalizer early on. Feisal Salum was the hero, unleashing a powerful strike from just outside the box that somehow found its way past Tunisia's goalkeeper, Aymen Dahmen. The goal sent the Tanzanian supporters into raptures and set the stage for a tense finish.
Historic Qualification Against the Odds
Tanzania's progression is a story of resilience and seizing a rare opportunity. They advance without having won a single match in their four AFCON appearances across history. Their path to the knockout stage was secured by finishing third in Group C with two draws and one loss. They pipped Angola to one of the four best third-place slots by virtue of having scored more goals.
The match also saw significant tactical moves from both dugouts. Tanzania's Argentine coach, Miguel Gamondi, handed a debut to 33-year-old goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga. On the other side, Tunisia's coach Sami Trabelsi dropped his 33-year-old captain, Ferjani Sassi, to the bench. Sassi later came on to earn his 100th international cap for his country.
Group C Final Standings and What's Next
In the group's other fixture, Nigeria maintained a perfect record, defeating 10-man Uganda 3-1. Raphael Onyedika scored a brace after Uganda's goalkeeper was sent off, with Paul Onuachu adding another. Nigeria topped the group with nine points, while Tunisia finished second with four points.
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia now know their next opponent; they are scheduled to face Mali in Rabat this Saturday. For Tanzania and group winners Nigeria, the wait continues to confirm their round of 16 opponents. Regardless of who they face next, Tanzania has already written a new chapter in its football history, ending a wait that lasted for more than four decades to dance in the knockout stages of Africa's biggest football party.
