Trending 
Uganda and Tanzania are using their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearances in Morocco as a measuring stick for the work still required before they jointly host the 2027 tournament alongside neighbours Kenya.
Both East African nations are facing likely early exits at the current AFCON, underlining the gap that still exists between them and Africa’s established heavyweights. Uganda take on Nigeria on Tuesday, while Tanzania face Tunisia, with both sides almost certainly needing victories to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Historically, success at AFCON has been elusive for both countries. Uganda have managed just one win in nine matches across three tournaments since finishing runners-up in 1978, while Tanzania are competing at the finals for only the fourth time and are still searching for their first-ever victory.
Their 1-1 draw in Rabat on Saturday summed up the fine margins involved, with Uganda scoring a late equaliser before missing a penalty that would have secured a rare win.
Despite the results, Tanzania coach Miguel Angel Gamondi believes there are encouraging signs. “I told the players we are the fourth weakest team at this Africa Cup of Nations, but the level we’ve shown over two games has been much higher,” he told AFP.
Gamondi, an Argentine who took charge just before the tournament after leaving Singida Black Stars, inherited a side ranked 112th in the world and 27th in Africa. Tanzania, whose population exceeds 70 million, began their campaign with a narrow defeat to Nigeria.
“My aim is to change the mentality,” Gamondi said. “We want players to believe they can compete and to develop a winning mindset. If we are ranked 112 now, my hope is that we can break into the top 100 in a short time.”
While Tanzania showed improvement during World Cup qualifying by finishing third in their group, the coach admits structural issues remain. He pointed to regulations allowing clubs to field large numbers of foreign players, which he says helps top sides like Young Africans and Simba but limits opportunities for local talent.
“Infrastructure is another big issue,” he added. “There aren’t enough quality pitches. But the biggest problem is youth development. We need to produce players who can move to Europe, compete and grow. In the local league there isn’t enough competition for players to truly develop.”
Veteran striker Ally Samatta, now playing in France and formerly of Aston Villa, remains Tanzania’s standout name, but most of the squad features domestically based players, alongside a handful drawn from the lower divisions in England.
Uganda are in a stronger position in terms of rankings, sitting 85th globally and 17th in Africa, but they too lack top-level experience within their squad.
Belgian head coach Paul Put said the focus is firmly on long-term progress rather than immediate results. “We have a very young team and my responsibility is to build towards 2027,” he explained. “That’s why I’m giving these players the chance to gain experience now.”
“For the next AFCON that we host, we must be ready with the right players and in the right condition.”
At least Uganda and Tanzania are benefiting from exposure at the finals. Co-hosts Kenya, ranked 113th in the world, failed to qualify for the last three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and are absent once again.
