Uganda Held by Tanzania After Okello Miss

Uganda were left to rue a missed opportunity at the Africa Cup of Nations as Allan Okello failed to convert a late penalty in a 1-1 draw with regional rivals Tanzania on Saturday.

Okello’s spot-kick miss in the closing moments denied the Cranes what would have been a crucial victory in their Group C encounter at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium.

Uganda had earlier fought back through a late equaliser from Uche Ikpeazu in front of a crowd of 10,540, after Tanzania appeared on course for a rare AFCON win.

Tanzania, who had not won a match in their previous 10 AFCON outings across four tournaments, took the lead just before the hour mark. Simon Msuva calmly converted from the penalty spot after Alphonce Msanga’s shot struck the arm of Baba Alhassan inside the Ugandan area.

The goal raised hopes that the Taifa Stars might finally end their long wait for a victory at the tournament, but Uganda responded strongly as the game entered its final stages.

Ikpeazu, who plays for St Johnstone in Scotland’s second tier, brought Uganda level with 10 minutes remaining. The striker rose to head home a well-delivered cross from fellow substitute Denis Omedi, sparking celebrations among the Ugandan supporters.

Both sides pushed for a winner in dramatic conditions as heavy rain poured down late on. Uganda were then handed a golden chance to claim all three points when James Bogere went down in the box after his shirt was tugged by Tanzania defender Haji Mnoga.

Okello stepped up in the 90th minute but sent his penalty over the crossbar, possibly distracted by a loud clap of thunder just as he began his run-up, allowing Tanzania to escape with a point.

Earlier in the match, Uganda had come closest to scoring in the first half when Rogers Mato met an Aziz Kayondo cross with a header that struck the underside of the crossbar.

The draw does little to boost either side’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Uganda and Tanzania now each have one point from two matches and sit behind Nigeria and Tunisia in Group C, with the two former champions meeting later on Saturday in Fes.

Uganda have recorded just one AFCON victory in three tournament appearances since finishing runners-up to Ghana in 1978, while Tanzania will again be frustrated at letting a rare lead slip on the continental stage. Both nations are set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya.