AFCON 2025: Allan Okello misses late penalty as Uganda held by Tanzania
Uganda’s hopes of claiming a vital Africa Cup of Nations victory were dashed in heartbreaking fashion after Allan Okello missed a stoppage-time penalty in a tense 1–1 draw with East African rivals Tanzania on Saturday night.
In a dramatic encounter at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, watched by 10,540 fans, Okello stepped up in the 90th minute with a golden chance to secure all three points for the Cranes. But amid a torrential downpour and a deafening clap of thunder moments before his strike, the midfielder sent his effort soaring over the crossbar.
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The miss denied Uganda a precious win in Group C and left both teams locked on one point after two matches, trailing group leaders Nigeria and second-placed Tunisia.
First-half frustration for Uganda
Uganda were the more threatening side in the opening half and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. Aziz Kayondo’s teasing delivery from the left found Rogers Mato, whose powerful header rattled the underside of the crossbar before bouncing away to safety.
That moment summed up Uganda’s night, strong spells of play without the reward their dominance deserved.
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Tanzania, who came into the tournament winless in their previous 10 AFCON matches across four editions, remained compact and patient as they looked to finally end their long wait for a finals victory.
Msuva strikes, Ikpeazu responds
The deadlock was finally broken just before the hour mark when Tanzania were awarded a penalty after Alphonce Msanga’s shot struck the arm of Baba Alhassan inside the area. Veteran winger Simon Msuva showed all his experience, calmly converting from the spot to give the Taifa Stars a surprise lead.
The goal marked another AFCON milestone for Msuva, who has now scored in three different Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Uganda responded with urgency and found their equaliser with 10 minutes remaining. Substitute Denis Omedi whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, and fellow substitute Uche Ikpeazu rose highest to head past the goalkeeper and make it 1–1.
The goal appeared to swing momentum firmly in Uganda’s favour as the rain intensified and nerves spread through both camps.
Thunder, tension and a missed chance
Deep into stoppage time, Uganda were handed a dramatic opportunity to complete the comeback when James Bogere went down in the box under pressure from Tanzania defender Haji Mnoga. The referee pointed to the spot, sparking wild celebrations among the Cranes’ players and supporters.
Okello took responsibility, but just as he began his run-up, a huge clap of thunder echoed around the stadium. Moments later, his penalty sailed high over the bar, leaving players slumped to the turf in disbelief.
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Uganda head coach Paul Put could barely hide his frustration after the final whistle.
“I have a very bad feeling because I think we didn’t deserve this draw,” Put said. “The missed penalty is very, very painful, but that is also football.”
Group C implications
The draw does little to boost either side’s knockout hopes. Both Uganda and Tanzania now have one point from two matches and face an uphill battle to reach the last 16, with Nigeria and Tunisia set to contest the later Group C fixture.
Uganda next face Nigeria, knowing qualification is no longer in their hands. Tanzania, meanwhile, continue their search for a first-ever AFCON finals victory, a quest that once again slipped away at the death.
Tanzania coach Miguel Angel Gamondi reflected on a night of mixed emotions.
“We wanted our first win at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said. “I am very sorry for the Tanzanian people. We tried to win, but we also could have lost it at the end.”
SportsLigue