We need to keep the belief, Uganda Cranes coach, Paul Put says, after AFCON defeat against Tanzania

Uganda Cranes were left ruing a missed late penalty after being held to a 1–1 draw by East African rivals Tanzania in a dramatic Group C encounter of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 at Al Medina Stadium on Saturday night.

The Cranes appeared on course for a vital first victory of the tournament, but a costly miss in stoppage time ensured both sides settled for a share of the points, leaving Group C finely balanced heading into the final round of matches.

Despite heavy rain and a challenging playing surface, Uganda started brightly and showed clear intent from the opening whistle. Rogers Mato came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when his powerful header struck the underside of the crossbar as the Cranes dominated possession and applied sustained pressure.

Tanzania took the lead against the run of play in the 59th minute after Baba Alhassan was penalised for a handball inside the area. Simon Msuva calmly converted from the penalty spot to give the Taifa Stars the advantage.

Uganda responded with urgency and purpose. Head coach Paul Joseph Put made attacking changes, introducing Denis Omedi and Uche Ikpeazu as the Cranes increased the tempo and pushed Tanzania deeper into their half. The substitutions paid off in the 80th minute when Omedi delivered a pinpoint cross and Ikpeazu rose highest to power home a well-taken equaliser.

The Cranes were then handed a golden opportunity to complete the comeback deep into stoppage time after James Bogere was fouled in the penalty area. However, Allan Okello’s spot-kick sailed over the crossbar, bringing a dramatic and painful end to the contest.

Speaking after the match, head coach Paul Put expressed disappointment but urged his young squad to remain focused on the bigger picture.

“I think we didn’t deserve a draw. We created more opportunities and had more ball possession,” Put said. “Missing the penalty is very painful, but that is part of football. We have a very young team, and my responsibility is also to build a strong side for 2027 because we are the host country. I told the players we must keep believing and fight until the last game. We are disappointed, but now we must reset and prepare for Nigeria, which will not be easy.”

Uganda now turns its attention to a decisive final Group C clash against Nigeria, knowing that victory will be required to keep their hopes of progression at TotalEnergies AFCON 2025