By Musa Kikuuno Busoga Times Sports Writer II WhtasApp 0756322265
As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco continues, all eyes are on Group C, where the highly anticipated CECAFA derby between Uganda and Tanzania promises to be a thrilling spectacle. With the tournament set to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, football fans are eagerly awaiting the clash of two East African football giants.
This will be Uganda’s 8th appearance at the prestigious continental tournament, with their previous best finish being as runners-up in 1978. For Tanzania, it will be their 4th appearance, having reached the group stages in 1980, 2019, and 2023.
The two teams share a fierce rivalry, and their encounter in Group C is expected to be one of the most talked-about fixtures of the competition. Uganda will be aiming to break their 47-year trophy drought, while Tanzania will seek to make a statement as they compete against top African sides.
Uganda’s Strong Team Ready for the Challenge
Uganda’s national team, known as the Cranes, will be led by a blend of experienced players and emerging stars. With a solid mix of homegrown talent and players plying their trade in top European leagues, the Cranes are primed for a successful run.
Among their standout players is Simon “Happygod” Msuva, who has earned 94 caps and scored 23 goals for Tanzania since 2012, second to Mrisho Ngassa, with 100 caps and 25 goals. Uganda will also be banking on the goal-scoring abilities of Mbwana Samata, Tanzania’s scorer with 22 goals in 83 appearances since 2011.
Uganda’s players will be staying at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel in Morocco, which will provide the perfect base as they prepare for the fierce competition ahead. Their ambitious journey to the trophy will face tough challenges, with Nigeria and Tunisia rounding out Group C alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Nigeria, the three-time AFCON champions, and Tunisia, the 2004 champions, will certainly present formidable opposition. But Uganda is no stranger to big challenges, and this tournament could be their moment to shine on the African football stage.
Group C: A Hotbed of African Football Talent
The CECAFA derby between Uganda and Tanzania will surely capture the imagination of football fans worldwide. With a rich history in the tournament, both teams will be keen to prove their mettle.
Nigeria, which boasts three AFCON titles (1980, 1994, and 2013), is a perennial favorite and a team to watch, while Tunisia’s steady presence in the competition and their 2004 title victory make them equally dangerous.
Group C is shaping up to be a fascinating battle, with every team bringing its own unique strengths to the table. As Uganda takes on these giants, the match against Tanzania will likely be the one to watch, with both teams determined to claim the bragging rights of East Africa.
As the tournament progresses, Uganda’s fans will hope that their team can build on the rich footballing history of the country and make a deep run into the latter stages of the competition. Will the Cranes soar to glory in Morocco? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2025 AFCON will be a tournament to remember.
