Tanzania Secures Last 16 Spot with Draw Against Tunisia at Afcon 2025
Tanzania rallied to secure a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), a result that allowed both teams to advance to the knockout stage.
The Carthage Eagles, champions in 2004, needed just a point to clinch second place behind Nigeria. Meanwhile, Tanzania progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams, edging out Angola based on goal difference.
Ismael Gharbi came close to scoring early on, hitting the left post and nearly catching Taifa Stars goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga off his line from 45 yards. He eventually put Tunisia ahead with a penalty in the 43rd minute, awarded after a VAR review determined that Ibrahim Hamad had fouled Hazem Mastouri as he attempted to connect with a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick.
Needing only a draw to advance, Tanzania equalized early in the second half when Feisal Salum struck from outside the box, finding the bottom corner of the net.
Chances were limited for both sides to secure a winner, with Tanzania's Simon Msuva coming closest when his header from a corner hit the side netting.
This marks the first time a team has progressed to the last 16 of the Afcon with just two points since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019.
Tunisia will face Group A runners-up Mali in Casablanca on Saturday, January 3, at 19:00 GMT, while Tanzania, who have reached the knockout stage for the first time, will remain in Rabat to play against host nation Morocco the following day at 16:00 GMT.
Tanzania Advances Without a Win
Tunisia had previously defeated Uganda 3-1 but suffered a 3-2 loss to Nigeria, putting pressure on coach Sami Trabelsi's squad to secure a favorable result.
Tanzania lost their opening match against Nigeria and managed a 1-1 draw against Uganda in an East African derby. Before kick-off, there was even a possibility that a draw would lead to a drawing of lots to determine who would advance.
Had the match ended in a 0-0 draw, both Tanzania and Angola, who finished third in Group B, would have had identical records.
Gharbi, starting for the first time in the tournament, was pivotal for Tunisia's attacking efforts in the first half. His curling shot almost found the net but instead struck the woodwork.
Despite a crowd of 15,205, primarily made up of Carthage Eagles supporters, the atmosphere turned somber when Salum's low shot found the net just three minutes into the second half.
Tunisia failed to mount a serious challenge for victory and faced a chorus of boos from their fans at the final whistle for not defeating a team ranked 71 places below them.
Under the guidance of Miguel Angel Gamondi, Tanzania faces a daunting challenge against the host nation in the next round, particularly as the Taifa Stars have yet to record a win in their last 12 Afcon appearances dating back to their debut in 1980.