Tanzania came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in their final Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that allowed both teams to advance to the round of 16.
Tanzania came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in their final Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that allowed both teams to advance to the round of 16.
The Carthage Eagles, who lifted the trophy in 2004, required just a point to finish second behind Nigeria, while Tanzania qualified as one of the four best third-placed sides, narrowly surpassing Angola on goals scored.
Tunisia had gone close before taking the lead, with Ismael Gharbi hitting the left post and nearly catching Tanzanian goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga off guard from a long-range attempt. The midfielder eventually converted a penalty in the 43rd minute to put his side ahead.
The spot-kick was awarded following a VAR review, with referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo ruling that Ibrahim Hamad had fouled Hazem Mastouri by putting an arm around his neck as the striker went for a Hannibal Mejbri free kick.
Tanzania still had a path to advance with a draw, and they took full advantage early in the second half. Feisal Salum fired a low shot from outside the area that slipped past the Tunisian goalkeeper and found the bottom corner in the 48th minute, leveling the score.
Both teams struggled to create further clear-cut chances. Tanzania’s Simon Msuva had a notable opportunity when he met a corner with a header that struck the side-netting near the post, but neither side could find a winner.
By securing this point, the Taifa Stars became the first team to reach the last 16 at the expanded 24-team Afcon without winning a match, a record since the tournament adopted the new format in 2019.
Tunisia will meet Group A runners-up Mali in Casablanca on Saturday, 3 January (19:00 GMT), while Tanzania, making their first appearance in the knockout stage, will face host nation Morocco in Rabat on Sunday (16:00 GMT).
Earlier in the tournament, Tunisia had beaten Uganda 3-1 but was defeated 3-2 by Nigeria, leaving them needing a result to secure progression. Tanzania, meanwhile, had lost to Nigeria in their opener and drawn 1-1 against Uganda in the East African derby.
Before the match, there was even a possibility that a draw of lots would have determined who advanced if Tanzania had held on for a goalless draw, as their record would have been identical to Angola’s.
Gharbi, making his first start at the finals, was central to Tunisia’s attacking moments in the opening period. His curling attempt beat Masalanga but bounced off the post, denying the North Africans an earlier lead.
Despite controlling most of the game, Tunisia struggled to regain their advantage after Salum’s goal. Fans in attendance, most supporting Tunisia, expressed their frustration with jeers and boos as the match ended in a stalemate against a side ranked 71 places lower in the world.
Tanzania now faces a challenging clash against the host nation, as they remain winless in 12 AFCON appearances dating back to their debut in 1980.
