Tanzania end 45-year wait for AFCON knockout spot after draw with Tunisia

DODOMA: Tanzania reached the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history after coming from behind to draw 1–1 with Tunisia in Rabat, ending a 45-year wait since their debut appearance.

Tunisia took the lead just before half-time when Ismael Gharbi converted a penalty, but Feisal Salum equalised early in the second half with a long-range strike in the Moroccan capital.

Since first appearing at AFCON in 1980, Tanzania had never progressed beyond the group stage and are still without a win in four tournament appearances. This time, however, two draws and a defeat were enough to see them squeeze into the round of 16.

Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind group winners Nigeria. Tanzania edged out Angola on goals scored to claim one of the four places reserved for the best third-placed teams.

In the other Group C match, already-qualified Nigeria maintained their perfect record with a 3–1 win over 10-man Uganda. Raphael Onyedika scored twice after Uganda were reduced to nine men.

Tunisia are the only Group C side who know their next opponents and will face Mali in Rabat on Saturday in the round of 16. Nigeria and Tanzania are still waiting to learn who they will meet.

Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi handed a debut to 33-year-old goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga, one of three changes from the side that drew with Uganda. Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi dropped captain Ferjani Sassi to the bench, but the 33-year-old midfielder came on early in the second half to earn his 100th international cap.

Match highlights

Tunisia threatened early, with Gharbi hitting the post and later seeing an ambitious long-range effort land on the roof of the net, much to the relief of Masaranga. Tunisia enjoyed slightly more possession and were rewarded on 43 minutes when VAR confirmed a penalty for a foul by Ibrahim Hamad on Hazem Mastouri. Gharbi made no mistake from the spot.

The lead lasted just two minutes after the break. Salum struck from outside the box and his shot crept into the corner past Aymen Dahmen to level the score.

In Fes, Nigeria opened the scoring after 28 minutes through a well-worked move. Bruno Onyemaechi found Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose low cross was turned in by Paul Onuachu despite heavy pressure.

Uganda’s task became much harder in 56 minutes when goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off for handling outside the penalty area. He had replaced 40-year-old captain Denis Onyango at half-time. Substitute goalkeeper Legason Alionz was quickly beaten twice by Onyedika, who found the bottom right corner on both occasions after being set up by Samuel Chukwueze.

Nigeria finished the group stage with a flawless record, while Tanzania celebrated a historic breakthrough.

Web Desk