Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Uganda played out a hard-fought 1–1 draw in their AFCON group-stage encounter at the Al Barid Stadium, a match marked by high intensity, missed opportunities and late drama.
Both sides showed commendable quality and determination, but neither was able to claim all three points.
The first half was closely contested, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Defences remained solid, and neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval.
In added time at the end of the first half (45+5), Uganda’s Semakula received a yellow card after committing a reckless challenge on a Tanzanian player, highlighting the growing tension in the match.
Despite their efforts, both teams lacked composure in the final third. Tanzania took the lead in the second half when Msuva calmly converted a penalty in the 59th minute.
The goal boosted Tanzania’s confidence and raised hopes of securing a crucial victory. Uganda, however, responded strongly.
In the 80th minute, Ikpeazu equalised with a well-taken finish.
The goal revitalised the Ugandan side, and the final stages of the match were played at a frantic pace as both teams pushed for a winner.
Drama peaked in stoppage time when Uganda were awarded a penalty in the 90+1 minute.
Okello stepped up but failed to convert, missing a golden opportunity to seal a late victory.
The miss summed up a match full of pressure, momentum shifts and fine margins.
Both coaches made several substitutions in an attempt to influence the game.
The result leaves both teams with work to do as they look to qualify for the knockout stages. Tanzania will face Tunisia in their next group match, while Uganda prepare for a tough encounter against Nigeria.
Tanzania began their AFCON campaign with a narrow 2–1 defeat to Nigeria, while Uganda suffered a 3–1 loss to Tunisia in their opening fixture.
As a result, both teams will need victories in their final matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
