Tunisia and Tanzania played out a tense 1–1 draw at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annexe in Rabat, a result that was enough to send both nations into the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
This was the first time the two countries had faced each other at the AFCON finals, with their only previous meetings coming during qualifying for the 2021 tournament. Despite Tunisia arriving with greater tournament pedigree and experience, Tanzania matched them across the pitch in what became a tightly contested and physically demanding encounter.
The opening stages were even, with both sides showing tactical discipline. Tunisia enjoyed more of the ball, but Tanzania’s locally based squad stayed organized and compact, preventing clear chances. In the 26th minute, Ismaël Gharbi tried to break the deadlock with a spectacular long-range effort that could have produced one of the goals of the tournament, but the shot drifted wide. The match soon opened up into an end-to-end battle, with both teams pressing with intensity.
The breakthrough finally arrived late in the first half. After a lengthy VAR review in the 41st minute, the referee awarded Tunisia a penalty for a foul in the area and showed a yellow card to I. Hamad. Ismaël Gharbi stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, giving Tunisia a narrow advantage heading into the break. It was a reward for their sustained pressure, although Tanzania had defended bravely up to that point.
The second half began with immediate drama. Just four minutes after the restart, Feisal Salum unleashed a brilliant right-footed strike from outside the penalty area, sending the ball beyond the goalkeeper and leveling the match at 1–1 in the 49th minute. The goal was greeted with ecstatic celebrations from Tanzanian supporters, underlining the team’s belief and resilience.
Tunisia responded by refreshing their attack, introducing Seifeddine Jaziri and Naïm Sliti to regain control and push for a winner. Chances followed, including a dangerous move in the 76th minute that forced Tanzania’s goalkeeper into a full-stretch intervention, leaving him momentarily shaken. As the match entered the closing stages, heavy rain added further drama, turning the final minutes into a tense battle of nerves and endurance.
Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a decisive goal. Tunisia secured second place in the group with the draw, while Tanzania advanced as one of the best third-placed teams thanks to their superior goals scored tally.
Both nations now prepare for the knockout rounds, buoyed by solid group-stage campaigns and the momentum of qualification.
