Tanzania have created history at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, booking their place in the Round of 16 for the first time ever after a dramatic 1–1 draw with Tunisia in their final Group C match on Tuesday in Rabat.
The Taifa Stars came from behind to secure the crucial point that saw them progress as one of the best third-placed teams at the 24-nation tournament in Morocco, marking a historic breakthrough for Tanzanian football at the continental finals.
Tunisia initially took the lead in the 43rd minute when Ismael Gharbi calmly converted a penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball was spotted inside the box.
However, Tanzania responded early in the second half, with Feisal Salum unleashing a powerful strike from outside the area to level matters in the 47th minute and spark wild celebrations among the East African supporters.
Despite not recording a win in their group and finishing with just two points from one draw and two stalemates, Tanzania edged out Angola on goals scored to clinch a knockout berth, a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline throughout the group stage. They became the first team in AFCON history to qualify for the last 16 with only two points under the current 24-team format.
This milestone ends a long wait for Tanzania, who have only appeared at the AFCON finals on four occasions and had never previously progressed past the group stage. Their upcoming last-16 clash is scheduled against host nation Morocco, a daunting but well-deserved reward for their historic campaign so far.
For coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi and his squad, this moment marks a watershed achievement for Tanzanian football and signals growing competitiveness on the African stage, inspiring fans across the country and the wider East African region.
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Tunisia and Tanzania confirmed their qualification for the knockout round of the Africa Cup of Nations. With the points shared, both countries will progress to the next stage.Tunisia finished second in Group C behind Nigeria to qualify.
Tanzania have the potential of facing either Morocco or Egypt, two of the competition’s favourites, in the next round. As for Tunisia, they face off against Mali, who were runners-up in Group A.
