Uganda and Tanzania meet in Rabat this Saturday in a decisive fixture, as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 continues, a game that finally brings their long-running rivalry to the finals of Africa’s biggest tournament.
Despite decades of competitive encounters, the two neighbours have never crossed paths at the Africa Cup of Nations finals until now, giving this Group clash rare historical weight.
The rivalry between the Cranes and Taifa Stars stretches back more than 60 years and ranks among the most familiar duels in East African football.
Records show that the teams have faced each other 61 times across all competitions since their first meeting in 1964. Uganda holds a clear advantage, with 33 victories compared to Tanzania’s 12, while 16 matches ended without a winner.
Their first recorded encounter came on 8 September 1964 in the East African Cup, when Tanzania claimed a 3-0 win.
That early success did not define the rivalry. Over time, Uganda asserted greater control, often dictating the balance of results in regional tournaments and friendly matches.
One result still stands out in the collective memory: Uganda’s emphatic 5-0 victory in the CECAFA Cup on 30 November 1991, which remains the Cranes’ biggest win over their neighbours.
Recent meetings have added fresh layers to the contest. During the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the two sides traded narrow away victories, each winning 1-0 on hostile ground.
Those results underlined the competitive tension that continues to define this fixture, regardless of venue or context.
AFCON 2025 elevates the rivalry to a new level. For the first time, Uganda and Tanzania now compete against each other in the final phase of the continental championship, where every match carries heightened pressure and lasting consequence.
Both teams enter the contest aware of the occasion, the history, and the opportunity to make a statement on African football’s biggest stage and desperate for points after opening-round defeats in the continental fete.
Uganda fell 3–1 to Tunisia in their tournament opener, while Tanzania pushed Nigeria close before succumbing to a narrow 2–1 loss. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Saturday’s encounter represents a pivotal moment for both nations.
Uganda head coach Paul Put stressed the importance of the occasion: “I think we know the situation. We lost the opening game, which is not ideal in a tough competition like this. We have to focus on this upcoming game and put the result behind us because there is still a high chance of us progressing if we secure a good result. It is currently the most important game of the tournament, and we will have to be aggressive and secure the result we need.”
Midfielder Allan Okello echoed that determination, underlining the stakes for the players and supporters back home.
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi expects a closely fought contest, noting the fine margins between the two sides and insisting that character and temperament will be decisive. Winger Simon Msuva added that Tanzania are eager to improve on their previous AFCON campaign and are determined to make their football speak on the pitch.
Adding intrigue, Uganda midfielders Khalid Aucho and Steven Mukwala currently play their club football in Tanzania, increasing familiarity on both sides.
With neither team able to afford another setback, intensity and discipline are expected to define this East African showdown.
Group C’s headline fixture sees Nigeria and Tunisia face off in Fès, with both sides aiming to take a decisive step toward the knockout stage after winning their opening matches.
Nigeria edged Tanzania 2–1, while Tunisia impressed in a 3–1 victory over Uganda. With six points likely enough to confirm qualification, tonight’s encounter carries significant weight.
Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi played down any pressure on the Super Eagles, describing the tournament as an opportunity to reset after recent disappointments and emphasising the squad’s readiness and collective focus. Head coach Eric Chelle acknowledged Tunisia’s quality but insisted Nigeria remain committed to their evolving identity, whether in possession or transition.
Tunisia, meanwhile, approach the match with confidence and discipline. Defender Montassar Talbi highlighted the importance of unity and concentration, while head coach Sami Trabelsi stressed the need for balance between attack and defence against a strong Nigerian side.
The rivalry is well established. Nigeria and Tunisia have met 21 times, with Tunisia holding a narrow historical edge, though Nigeria boast more AFCON victories between the two. Their most recent meeting came in the 2021 round of 16, where Tunisia claimed a 1–0 win.
With both teams in form and boasting attacking quality, the clash in Fès promises tactical intrigue and high intensity.
Group D action also continues on Saturday, with two contrasting fixtures as Senegal and DR Congo look to maintain perfect starts, while Benin and Botswana search for redemption.
Benin and Botswana meet for the first time at AFCON finals, with both nations seeking a crucial first win of the tournament.
Benin were narrowly beaten by DR Congo in their opener and are still searching for their first-ever AFCON victory after a long winless run at the finals. Botswana, meanwhile, were overpowered by Senegal in a 3–0 defeat and will be eager to respond after a punishing opening match that tested their defensive resilience.
With both teams under pressure, the encounter could prove decisive in determining who remains in contention heading into the final group fixtures.
Senegal and DR Congo face off in a heavyweight Group D clash, with both sides aiming to secure early qualification for the knockout stage after winning their opening matches.
Senegal were emphatic in a 3–0 victory over Botswana, showcasing their attacking depth and defensive solidity. DR Congo edged Benin 1–0 and now looks to break a long-standing trend that has seen them struggle in second group matches at AFCON.
The two sides have a rich history at the tournament, including memorable encounters in 1968 and 2002. Senegal enter the match unbeaten in their last eight meetings with DR Congo and with growing momentum, while DR Congo know that another positive result would significantly boost their chances of progression.
