Tanzania made history by advancing to the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their nation's footballing history. They secured a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Rabat, ending a 45-year gap since their debut at the tournament. Tunisia took the lead just before halftime when Ismael Gharbi scored from the penalty spot.
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| PHOTO: TFF |
However, Feisal Salum equalized shortly after the break with a long-range shot in the Moroccan capital.
Since their first appearance in 1980, Tanzania had never gone beyond the group stage and had not won any of their four previous AFCON matches.
This time, they managed to get through with two draws and one loss, making them the first team from Tanzania to reach the round of 16.
Tunisia finished as group runners-up in Group C with four points, five points behind the group winners, Nigeria.
Tanzania secured a spot in the next round by beating Angola on goal difference, taking one of the four best third-placed teams' spots.
In the other Group C match, already-qualified Nigeria maintained their perfect record with a 3-1 win over Uganda.
Raphael Onyedika scored twice after Uganda were reduced to nine men.
Tunisia is the only team from Group C that knows its next opponents.
They will face Mali in Rabat on Saturday in the round of 16. Nigeria and Tanzania are still waiting to find out who they will face.
Tanzania's coach, Miguel Gamondi, made three changes from the previous match and gave his debut to 33-year-old goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga.
Tunisia's coach Sami Trabelsi started the match without his captain Ferjani Sassi, but the 33-year-old midfielder came on in the second half to mark his 100th international appearance.
Match highlights showed Tunisia dominating early on, with Gharbi hitting the post and going close with a long-range effort.
Tunisia was awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute after a foul on Hazem Mastouri, and Gharbi converted it.
The lead lasted only two minutes after the break as Salum struck from outside the box, scoring past Aymen Dahmen.
In Fes, Nigeria opened the scoring after 28 minutes through a well-organized move.
Bruno Onyemaechi helped Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who crossed for Paul Onuachu to score.
Uganda's match was difficult from the 56th minute when their goalkeeper, Salim Magoola, was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area.
He had replaced 40-year-old captain Denis Onyango at halftime. Substitute goalkeeper Legason Alionz was quickly beaten twice by Onyedika, who scored both goals after being set up by Samuel Chukwueze.
Nigeria ended the group stage with a perfect record, while Tanzania celebrated its historic breakthrough.
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