Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars have officially qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 after a brave 1–1 draw against Tunisia in their final Group C match at the tournament being staged in Morocco.
The result marked a historic achievement for Tanzanian football, as the Taifa Stars progressed beyond the group stage by finishing among the best third-placed teams at AFCON.
Heading into the decisive encounter, Tanzania knew that avoiding defeat against Tunisia would keep their qualification hopes alive, provided other group results worked in their favour.
Playing on Moroccan soil, Tunisia started the match with confidence and experience, controlling possession and applying early pressure on Tanzania’s defence.
Their dominance was rewarded in the first half when Tunisia were awarded a penalty, which Ibrahim Gharbi calmly converted to put the Eagles of Carthage ahead.
Despite conceding, Tanzania showed resilience and composure, remaining organised and refusing to let the game slip out of reach.
After the interval, the Taifa Stars returned with renewed belief and attacking intent, pressing higher up the pitch and committing more players forward.
Their courage paid off early in the second half when Feisal Salum struck the equaliser.
The goal shifted the momentum of the match, with Tanzania growing in confidence while Tunisia became more cautious, knowing a draw would still be enough for them.
The remainder of the contest was tense and physical, with several yellow cards shown, but Tanzania maintained discipline a crucial factor in the qualification race.
At the final whistle, the 1–1 draw confirmed Tunisia’s second-place finish in Group C and sealed Tanzania’s position in third place.
With two points from three matches, Tanzania ranked high enough among the third-placed teams across the tournament to secure a spot in the knockout phase.
Nigeria finished top of Group C with a perfect record, while Uganda ended bottom, a result that further strengthened Tanzania’s qualification standing.
This qualification represents a major milestone for the Taifa Stars, reflecting improved organisation, unity, and belief on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Players and coaching staff were visibly emotional after the match, aware that they had written a new chapter in the nation’s football history.
Supporters across Tanzania and the diaspora celebrated the achievement, praising the team’s fighting spirit and determination in Morocco.
As the AFCON moves into the knockout rounds, Tanzania now look ahead with confidence, carrying the hopes of a nation after a memorable and historic group-stage campaign.
