Tanzania, Uganda make false start in AFCON 2025

By A Special Correspondent

Two teams from the CECAFA Zone, Tanzania and Uganda, made false starts on Tuesday at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.

The Taifa Stars skippered by Mbwana Samatta took to the field first losing 2-1 to Nigeria in a Group C match played at the Fez Stadium.

Semi Ajayi gave the Super Eagles the lead after 36 minutes finishing off a well taken Alex Iwobi cross.

But the Tanzanian side did not give up and continued to battle on creating their own chances. Akor Adams hit the woodwork for Nigeria and Victor Osimhen effort was also ruled for offside.

After recess Tanzania leveled matters with Charles M’mombwa scoring after 50 minutes off a Novatus Miroshi’s pass. But Ademola Lookman was quick to restore Nigeria’s lead again two minutes later.

Tanzania continued to push forward, but will also have to thank goalkeeper Zuberi Foba who made numerous saves.

“We put up a good show, but failed to concentrate after making it 1-1 and immediately conceded a goal. Now we need to focus on our next match against Uganda,” said Tanzania’s captain Samatta.

In the second Group C match Tunisia defeated Uganda 3-1 in a match played at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

Elias Achouri netted a brace, while Ellyes Skhiri had given the Carthage Eagles the lead earlier.

After an early lead, Tunisia dictated the tempo of the match on a wet pitch after a heavy down pour. But the Uganda Cranes defended in numbers before Tunisia made it 2-0 before the break.

Achouri scored again after 64 minutes to make it 3-0 for Tunisia, but substitute Denis Omedi pulled one goal back for Uganda as the ball deflected off a defender.

“We made a poor start to the game, but looked better in the second half. We need to keep working hard because we now need to get a good result in our next match against Tanzania,” said Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put.

The win sends Tunisia top of Group C, while Nigeria are second, Tanzania third and Uganda bottom. Uganda will return to action against Tanzania on December 27th, the same day Tunisia will battle Nigeria.