AFCON 2025 Preview: Uganda Vs Tanzania
Two sides reeling from opening-day defeats at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will clash on Saturday as Uganda and Tanzania go head-to-head at Stade El Barid, Rabat, in a match that could determine their tournament fate.
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With both teams already under pressure, defeat for either nation would significantly dent hopes of progressing from the group, making this a must-not-lose encounter.
Uganda’s AFCON campaign got off to a difficult start following a 3–1 defeat to Tunisia, a result that highlighted ongoing struggles for Paul Put’s side. That loss marked their third defeat in four matches across all competitions, with just one win in that period.
Their record at the Africa Cup of Nations is equally worrying, having lost six of their last nine AFCON matches. The Cranes now face the prospect of suffering three consecutive defeats for the first time since November 2023, a scenario they will be desperate to avoid—especially with Nigeria still to come in their final group game.
Despite their struggles, Uganda may still take confidence from facing a Tanzanian side that is also battling a poor run of form.
Tanzania arrive in Rabat winless in their last eight matches across all competitions (two draws and six losses), with their most recent five outings all ending in defeat. Their 2–1 loss to Nigeria on Tuesday extended a painful statistic — no wins in 10 AFCON matches (three draws and seven losses).
Hemed Suleiman’s men last tasted victory in early August, edging Madagascar 2–1, but there are signs of attacking improvement. The Taifa Stars have scored four goals in their last two matches, including one against Nigeria, after failing to score in their previous three games.
Defensive issues remain a major concern, however, with Tanzania conceding 12 goals in their last seven matches and failing to keep a clean sheet in that span.
Uganda have no new injury concerns ahead of the fixture. Aside from Yakoub Suleiman and Feisal Salum, who missed the opener, the rest of the squad is available, and Put is expected to retain much of the side that faced Tunisia.
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Tanzania are also likely to stick with the same starting XI. Goalkeeper Zuberi Foba impressed despite conceding twice against Nigeria, while Novatus Miroshi, deployed in midfield, delivered a strong performance and is expected to continue alongside Alphonce Msanga in a defensive midfield role.
With both sides facing elimination pressure and neither showing convincing form, this encounter is expected to be tight and cautious.
A draw may not fully satisfy either team, but it could keep faint qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of group matches.
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