Tanzania fight back to draw with Tunisia in Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the result enough to send both sides through to the last 16.
CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Tanzania 1 - 1 Tunisia FT
Tanzania fought back to draw with Tunisia in Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in a result which sent both sides through to the last 16.
The Carthage Eagles, the 2004 champions, needed a point to secure second spot behind Nigeria while the East Africans advance as the last of four best-ranked third placed teams - edging out Angola on goals scored.
Ismael Gharbi had already hit the left-hand upright and come close to catching Taifa Stars goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga off his line from 45 yards out before calmly slotting Tunisia ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute.
The spot-kick had been awarded after an intervention by the video assistant referee (VAR), with referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo deciding that Ibrahim Hamad had impeded the run of Hazem Mastouri with an arm around his neck as the Tunisia striker tried to get on the end of a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick.
Tanzania still had the chance to progress with a score draw, and Feisal Salum made it 1-1 early in the second half with a shot from outside the box which crept inside the left-hand upright.
There were few chances for either side to grab a winner, with Tanzania striker Simon Msuva coming closest when he headed a corner into the side-netting at the near post.
The Taifa Stars become the first side to progress to the last 16 at an Afcon with two points since the tournament was expanded to a 24-team tournament in 2019.
Tunisia will take on Group A runners-up Mali in Casablanca on Saturday, 3 January (19:00 GMT), while Tanzania - who have reached the knockout stage for the first time - remain in Rabat to face host nation Morocco the following day (16:00 GMT).
Category: General Sports
