East African rivals Uganda and Tanzania meet in a crucial Group C clash where both teams must secure points to avoid a likely group-stage elimination from AFCON 2025.
Uganda and Tanzania face a high-stakes encounter this Saturday at the Stade El Barid in Rabat, with both nations desperate to keep their AFCON 2025 dreams alive.
Following opening-day defeats—Uganda falling 3-1 to Tunisia and Tanzania losing 2-1 to Nigeria—a second loss for either side could signal a premature exit from the tournament.
The match marks the first time these East African neighbours have met in the finals of Africa’s premier football competition.
Uganda’s recent form is a cause for concern, with the loss to Tunisia marking their third defeat in four games across all competitions.
Paul Put’s side has struggled historically in this tournament, losing six of their last nine AFCON fixtures.
“After losing the first match, the game against Tanzania is currently the most important game of the tournament, and we need to be aggressive and secure the result we need,” Put stated ahead of the critical fixture.
Tanzania enters the match seeking their first-ever victory at an AFCON finals after ten attempts.
Despite their recent 2-1 loss to Nigeria, the Taifa Stars have shown a newfound attacking edge under Miguel Ángel Gamondi, scoring four goals in their last two outings.
Captain Mbwana Samatta emphasized the need for focus after their opening slip-up, noting, “We put up a good show, but failed to concentrate after making it 1-1 and immediately conceded a goal.”