Uganda 1–1 Tanzania: Okello Misses Late Penalty as Cranes Held in AFCON Derby

Allan Okello’s stoppage-time penalty miss denied Uganda a dramatic victory as the Cranes were held to a 1–1 draw by Tanzania in a fiercely contested East African derby at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 on Saturday night.

Uganda were handed a golden chance to claim all three points after substitute Karl Ikpeazu had earlier equalised, cancelling out Simon Msuva’s second-half opener. However, with virtually the last kick of the game, Okello blazed his spot-kick over the crossbar, leaving the Cranes to settle for a share of the spoils at Stade El Barid in Rabat.

The result leaves both sides facing must-win situations heading into the final round of Group C matches, with Uganda missing an opportunity that would have significantly boosted their knockout-stage hopes.

The match lived up to its billing as a high-intensity regional rivalry. Uganda came close in the first half when Rodgers Mato’s powerful header from an Azizi Kayondo cross crashed off the crossbar. Okello also forced Tanzanian goalkeeper Foba Zuberi into two sharp saves from close range.

At the other end, veteran goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, recalled to the starting line-up after missing the opening match, delivered a composed performance to keep Tanzania at bay, particularly from aerial threats.

Tanzania broke the deadlock in the 58th minute after Alhassan Baba was penalised for handball while attempting to block Alphonce Msanga’s shot. Msuva calmly converted the resulting penalty to put the Taifa Stars ahead.

Uganda responded positively and were rewarded ten minutes later when Ikpeazu met Dennis Omedi’s cross with a diving header to restore parity. The Cranes pressed for a winner late on, but Okello’s miss proved decisive.

There was still late drama when Onyango spilled a cross into a dangerous area, only for substitute Charles M’Mbowa to volley wide, sparing Uganda further punishment.

Tanzania next face Tunisia in Tunis on Tuesday, while Uganda travel to Fez for a decisive clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Senegal 1–1 DR Congo: Mane Rescues Point in Tangier

In Tangier, Sadio Mane struck a second-half equaliser as Senegal came from behind to draw 1–1 with DR Congo in another absorbing Group D encounter.

Cedric Bakambu had given DR Congo the lead on the hour mark, reacting quickest to tap in after Edouard Mendy saved Theo Bongonda’s initial effort. Senegal responded eight minutes later when Mane calmly finished from close range following a parried effort by substitute Ibrahim Mbaye.

Senegal dominated much of the first half and were left frustrated after missing several clear chances, with Nicolas Jackson, Mane and Ismaila Sarr all going close.

Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but the match ended level, leaving Senegal top of the group on four points, tied with DR Congo but ahead on goal difference. Final group matches on Tuesday will determine qualification.

Benin 1–0 Botswana: Roche Makes History for the Squirrels

Yohan Roche’s first-half strike earned Benin their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory, as they edged Botswana 1–0 in Rabat to revive their Round of 16 hopes.

Roche struck in the 28th minute, finishing off a move involving captain Steve Mounié, with his effort taking a slight deflection on its way past goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.

Benin had an earlier goal ruled out for offside and later survived a scare when Mothusi Johnson’s free-kick struck the crossbar just before halftime.

The Squirrels defended resolutely in the second half to secure a historic win, while Botswana’s hopes of progressing suffered a major blow after a second straight defeat.

Benin face Senegal next, while Botswana conclude their campaign against DR Congo on Tuesday.