The "East African Derby" takes center stage today, Saturday, December 27, 2025, as Uganda and Tanzania clash in a pivotal Group C encounter. Following opening-day defeats for both nations, this match at the Stade El Madina in Rabat is effectively a knockout game; the loser will face almost certain elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
This marks the first time these two neighbors have ever met in the AFCON finals, adding a historic layer to an already fierce regional rivalry.
Matchday 1 Recap: Chasing the First Point
Uganda 1–3 Tunisia
The "Cranes" struggled to contain a clinical Tunisian side, falling behind early to an Ellyes Skhiri header. A brace from Elias Achouri seemingly put the game out of reach before Denis Omedi provided a late spark. Omedi’s 92nd-minute goal—the latest Uganda has ever scored in the tournament—ended a 376-minute AFCON goal drought and gave the fans a reason for optimism heading into today.
Tanzania 1–2 Nigeria
The "Taifa Stars" put up a resilient fight against the Super Eagles. After conceding in the first half, Tanzania stunned Nigeria when Charles M'Mombwa beat the offside trap to volley home an equalizer in the 50th minute. However, the joy was short-lived as Ademola Lookman scored the winner just two minutes later. Despite the loss, Tanzania proved they can compete with the continent's heavyweights.
Tactical Breakdown: Familiar Foes
Uganda’s Compact 4-4-1-1
Coach Paul Put is expected to prioritize defensive stability after shipping three goals in the opener.
The "Tanzania Experts": Captain Khalid Aucho and striker Steven Mukwala both play their club football in Tanzania. Their intimate knowledge of the Taifa Stars' defensive habits will be Uganda's greatest tactical asset.
Creativity: Mato Rogers remains the primary outlet on the wing, having won more duels (12) than any other player on Matchday 1.
Tanzania’s Fluid 4-3-3
Under Miguel Ángel Gamondi, Tanzania has shed its defensive reputation for a more expressive style.
The Msuva Factor: Veteran Simon Msuva is expected to return to the starting XI. Tanzania is remarkably unbeaten in the last 13 matches in which he has scored.
High Pressure: Charles M'Mombwa recorded 103 pressures against Nigeria, the highest in the tournament so far. Expect Tanzania to press Uganda’s backline relentlessly to force errors.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Uganda Team News
No fresh injury concerns were reported following the Tunisia match. Paul Put may hand a start to goalscorer Denis Omedi to partner Mukwala up front.
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Magoola; Obita, Torach, Sibbick, Kayondo; Mato, Aucho, Semakula, Ssemugabi; Omedi; Mukwala.
Tanzania Team News
Tanzania welcomes back Simon Msuva to the attack. Keeper Zuberi Foba, who made several key saves against Nigeria, will continue between the sticks.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Foba; Hussein, Job, Mwamnyeto, Mnoga; Miroshi, Msanga, Salum; Msuva, M'Mombwa, Samatta.
Head-to-Head: History vs. Recent Form
Uganda has historically dominated this fixture, but the gap has closed significantly in recent years.
All-Time Record: 61 Meetings | Uganda (33 wins), Tanzania (12 wins), 16 Draws.
Recent AFCON Qualifiers: In the 2023 cycle, the away team won 1–0 in both legs.
AFCON Curse: Tanzania has never won an AFCON finals match (10 games), while Uganda has won just one of their last nine.
Match Prediction: A Tense Stand-Off
Both teams are desperate, which often leads to a cautious start. Uganda has the physical edge and the historical dominance, but Tanzania’s recent attacking improvement under Gamondi makes them a threat on the counter. Given the high stakes and the "derby" atmosphere, a narrow result or a hard-fought draw is likely.
Final Score Prediction: Uganda 1–1 Tanzania
