The Uganda Cranes saw their hopes of a crucial first win at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 slip away in heartbreak fashion, as a missed penalty in stoppage time left them sharing points with regional rivals Tanzania in a rain-soaked 1–1 draw in Group C.
In a tense and dramatic encounter at Al Medina Stadium, the Cranes fought back from behind to level the score, only to be denied all three points when Allan Okello sent a late penalty over the crossbar in the dying moments of added time.
Tanzania struck first in the 59th minute after a controversial handball decision against Baba Alhassan inside the box. Simon Msuva stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Ivan Runge the wrong way to put the Taifa Stars ahead in front of a passionate East African diaspora crowd.
However, Uganda responded with renewed vigor. Head coach Paul Joseph Put made decisive substitutions, introducing Denis Omedi and powerhouse striker Uche Ikpeazu, who immediately changed the complexion of the game.
The tactical shift paid off in the 80th minute when Omedi, cutting in from the left flank, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Ikpeazu, rising above the Tanzanian defense, powered a header past goalkeeper Asuman Lubanza to send the Ugandan faithful into raptures and level the score.
With momentum swinging in their favor, Uganda continued to press and were awarded a golden opportunity in the sixth minute of stoppage time. James Bogere was brought down inside the penalty area after a well-timed run and cross, prompting a penalty call.
But the moment proved too much for Okello, who struck the ball high over the bar, sparking wild celebrations from the Tanzanian bench and leaving the Cranes crestfallen.
Despite dominating possession and creating more clear-cut chances — including Rogers Mato’s first-half header that cannoned off the crossbar — Uganda could not convert their superiority into a winner.
Speaking after the match, an emotional but composed Coach Paul Put expressed his belief that his side deserved more. “I think we didn’t deserve a draw. I think we had more opportunities. If you look at ball possession, we had more of it. We also missed a penalty, which is very painful — but that is part of football,” Put said.
He emphasized the need for resilience, particularly given the team’s young profile and the long-term goal of preparing for the 2027 AFCON, which Uganda will co-host.
“We have a very young team, so my responsibility is also to build a team for 2027. I spoke to the players and told them we need to keep the belief. You have to play until the last whistle. Yes, we are disappointed — but we need to reset the mindset and prepare for the match against Nigeria, which we know will not be easy.”
The result leaves Group C wide open heading into the final round of fixtures. Uganda sits mid-table with one point, behind Nigeria and Tanzania on goal difference, while all four teams in the group remain in contention for the knockout stages.
The Cranes’ next match — a must-win clash against group favorites Nigeria — will take place in three days’ time and could determine their fate in the tournament. A victory would reignite their progression hopes, while a loss or draw is likely to spell an early exit.
