Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came to life with two fixtures that placed East Africa firmly in the spotlight. Tanzania and Uganda, both co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, stepped onto the continental stage against heavyweight opposition in Nigeria and Tunisia. While the results went against the two CECAFA representatives, the opening night offered contrasting stories of promise, resistance, and hard lessons at the highest level.
Nigeria and Tanzania opened their campaigns at the Fez Sports Complex in Morocco in a match that was far tighter than the final scoreline suggested. From the opening whistle, Tanzania showed no intention of being overawed. Their early pressing disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm, forcing the Super Eagles into rushed decisions as they tried to assert control. Despite dominating possession and creating the bulk of chances, Nigeria found Tanzania’s defensive organisation difficult to break down in the opening exchanges.
The first clear moment of danger arrived midway through the half when Victor Osimhen was released on a swift counter, only for a Tanzanian defender to clear his effort off the line. Nigeria kept probing, circulating the ball patiently, but lacked sharpness in the final third. Tanzania, under Miguel Gamondi, remained compact, choosing their moments carefully when advancing into Nigerian territory.
The breakthrough finally came in the 36th minute from a set-piece routine. A short corner allowed Alex Iwobi to deliver a precise cross from the right, finding Semi Ajayi unmarked in the box. The defender’s header, guided low to the right, gave Nigeria a deserved lead heading into the break, though Tanzania could take encouragement from how long they had held out.
The second half exploded into life almost immediately. Tanzania stunned the Super Eagles just five minutes after the restart when Novatus Miroshi slipped a clever pass into Charles M’Mombwa, who finished calmly to draw the Taifa Stars level. The equaliser rewarded Tanzania’s bravery and belief, briefly swinging momentum in their favour.
Nigeria responded with urgency. Ademola Lookman, already influential, produced the decisive moment in the 52nd minute. Cutting in from the centre towards the left, he unleashed a precise left-footed strike into the far corner, restoring Nigeria’s lead. It was a moment of individual quality that ultimately separated the sides.
As the match wore on, Nigeria controlled possession without fully killing the game, while Tanzania searched for another opening. Ibrahim Hamad came agonisingly close late on, failing to direct a header on target from a corner that could have rewritten the script. In the closing minutes, Nigeria slowed the tempo, managing the game to secure a 2–1 victory. They were not at their fluent best, but efficiency carried them through, while Tanzania earned respect for their competitive display and fearless approach.
Later in Rabat, Uganda faced a far sterner examination against a dominant Tunisian side. From the outset, the Eagles of Carthage imposed themselves with authority, controlling possession and dictating the pace. Uganda, though disciplined early on, struggled to cope with Tunisia’s movement and intensity.
Tunisia struck first inside ten minutes when Ellyes Skhiri found space in the box and finished clinically to put his side ahead. The early goal set the tone, allowing Tunisia to play with confidence and rhythm. Uganda attempted to respond, gradually venturing forward, but their lack of precision in the final third blunted any real threat.
As heavy rain poured over the stadium, Tunisia remained unfazed. Achouri doubled the lead shortly before halftime with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, capping a first-half display marked by superior ball control and attacking depth. Uganda went into the break two goals down, facing an uphill task.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Tunisia continued to press relentlessly, pushing for more goals and exploiting spaces as fatigue crept into the Ugandan ranks. Achouri struck again just after the hour mark, finishing a rapid transition to make it 3–0 and effectively settle the contest.
Uganda’s resistance finally cracked, though they found a small measure of consolation in stoppage time. A half-clearance fell kindly to Denis Omedi, who reacted quickest to score and reduce the deficit, offering a late reward for persistence rather than a genuine shift in momentum. Tunisia closed out a comprehensive 3–1 victory, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s most complete sides.
