Tanzania qualify for AFCON knockout stages for the first time in 45 years
Football
By
Robert Abong'o
| Dec 30, 2025
Tanzania have made history by reaching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 knockout stage for the first time after fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Rabat, ending a 45-year wait since their maiden appearance at the tournament.
Feisal Salum’s second-half equaliser proved decisive after Ismael Gharbi had given Tunisia the lead from the penalty spot just before half-time.
The Taifa Stars, who first featured at AFCON in 1980, advanced despite still searching for a maiden tournament win. Two draws and a single defeat were enough to carry them into the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, edging out Angola on goals scored.
Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, behind Nigeria, who that topped the table with a perfect record.
Elsewhere in Group C, already-qualified Super Eagles underlined their dominance with a 3-1 win over 10-man Uganda in Fe.
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Raphael Onyedika scored twice after the Ugandans were reduced to ten following a red card for goalkeeper Salim Magoola.