Tanzania Hold Tunisia To End 45-Year Wait For AFCON Knockout Spot

Tanzania reached the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 45 years, drawing 1-1 with fellow Group C qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat on Tuesday. Ismael Gharbi had given Tunisia the lead with a penalty just before half-time, but Feisal Salum equalized early in the second half to secure Tanzania’s historic progression.

The result allowed Tanzania to advance after two draws and one loss, finally overcoming a long-standing barrier that had existed since their maiden appearance at the AFCON in 1980. Tunisia finished second in the group with four points, behind Nigeria, which topped the table with nine points after defeating Uganda 3-1. Tanzania edged Angola for one of the four third-place slots based on goal difference.

Nigeria Maintain Perfect Record

In the other Group C clash, already-qualified Nigeria maintained a 100 percent record by overcoming 10-man Uganda 3-1 in Fes. Paul Onuachu gave Nigeria the lead in the 28th minute, and Raphael Onyedika scored twice in the 62nd and 67th minutes, assisted both times by Samuel Chukwueze.

AFCON: Onyedika inspires Nigeria to 3-1 win over Uganda

Uganda’s goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off in the 56th minute, forcing the team to rely on their third-choice goalkeeper, Legason Alionz.

With Tanzania now in the round of 16, only Tunisia’s next opponents, Mali, are confirmed. Nigeria and Tanzania’s round of 16 fixtures are yet to be determined. Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi handed an AFCON debut to 33-year-old goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga, while Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi introduced captain Ferjani Sassi early in the second half to win his 100th cap.