Tanzania end 45-year wait for AFCON Knockout spot after holding Tunisia

Tanzania reached the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history after fighting back to earn a 1–1 draw against Tunisia in Rabat, ending a 45-year wait to progress beyond the group stage.

The Taifa Stars, making only their fifth AFCON appearance since debuting in 1980, advanced to the Round of 16 despite failing to win a game, squeezing through as one of the four best third-placed teams with two draws and one defeat.

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Tunisia took the lead just before halftime when Ismael Gharbi converted a penalty following a VAR review that showed Ibrahim Hamad fouling Hazem Mastouri inside the box. The Barcelona midfielder had earlier struck the post and gone close with an audacious long-range effort.

Tanzania responded almost immediately after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Feisal Salum unleashed a low drive from outside the area that crept past Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to spark jubilant celebrations in the Moroccan capital.

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The result saw Tunisia finish second in Group C with four points, five behind group winners Nigeria. Tanzania edged out Angola on goals scored to claim one of the coveted third-place qualification spots.

Only Tunisia know their next opponents, with Mali awaiting them in Rabat on Saturday in the last 16. Nigeria and Tanzania will have to wait for the final group standings to confirm their knockout fixtures.

Tactical and Team Notes

Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi handed an AFCON debut to 33-year-old goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga, making three changes from the side that drew with Uganda.

Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi dropped captain Ferjani Sassi to the bench, though the midfielder later came on to earn his 100th international cap early in the second half. Tunisia enjoyed slightly more possession but struggled to break down Tanzania’s disciplined shape after conceding the equaliser.

Group C Wrap

In the group’s other fixture, Nigeria maintained their perfect record, with Raphael Onyedika scoring twice in a 3–1 victory over 10-man Uganda in Fes. The Super Eagles finished with nine points from three matches, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.

Group C Final Standings

• Nigeria – 9 points
• Tunisia – 4 points
• Tanzania – 2 points (qualified as best third-placed team)
• Uganda – eliminated

SportsLigue