Tunisia And Tanzania Settle For Draw As Both Secure AFCON 2025 Round Of 16 Berths
Tunisia and Tanzania played out a tense 1–1 draw at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annexe in Rabat, a result that confirmed qualification for both teams into the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
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The encounter marked the first-ever AFCON finals meeting between the two nations, whose previous clashes had only come during qualification for the 2021 tournament. Despite Tunisia’s superior pedigree and experience at this level, Tanzania more than held their own in a fiercely contested and physically demanding match.
The opening exchanges were balanced, with both sides showing strong tactical discipline. Tunisia enjoyed greater possession, but Tanzania’s largely home-based squad remained compact and well-organised, denying the Carthage Eagles clear-cut opportunities. In the 26th minute, Ismaël Gharbi nearly broke the deadlock with an ambitious long-range effort that narrowly missed the target and would have been a goal-of-the-tournament contender.
The breakthrough arrived shortly before halftime. After a prolonged VAR check in the 41st minute, the referee awarded Tunisia a penalty for a foul in the box and cautioned I. Hamad. Gharbi stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, handing Tunisia a slim advantage going into the interval.
Tanzania responded with intent after the restart and were rewarded almost immediately. Just four minutes into the second half, Feisal Salum produced a moment of brilliance, firing a stunning right-footed strike from outside the area to level the score at 1–1 in the 49th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations among Tanzanian fans.
Tunisia reacted by bolstering their attack, introducing Seifeddine Jaziri and Naïm Sliti in search of a decisive goal.
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They created several late chances, including a threatening effort in the 76th minute that forced a full-stretch save from Tanzania’s goalkeeper. As heavy rain fell in the closing stages, the match turned into a tense test of endurance and composure.
Neither side could find a winner before the final whistle. The draw saw Tunisia finish second in the group, while Tanzania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, edging qualification on goals scored.
Both teams now turn their attention to the knockout phase, encouraged by resilient group-stage performances and the momentum of reaching the last 16.
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