Tanzania and Tunisia booked their places in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 1–1 draw in their final Group C match in Rabat, a result that rewarded Tanzanian resilience and confirmed Tunisia’s steady progress.
Tunisia finished second behind the Super Eagles, who topped the group with a perfect record, while Tanzania advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after showing resilience and composure under pressure.
The North Africans struck first late in the opening half through Ismaël Gharbi, who converted a VAR-reviewed penalty to put the Carthage Eagles in front. The midfielder was the standout performer of the match, consistently driving Tunisia forward and testing Tanzania’s defensive organisation.
Tanzania responded early in the second half, with Feisal Salum producing a moment of quality that kept their AFCON campaign alive. The midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box, drawing Tanzania level and swinging momentum in their favour.
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The match settled into a tense rhythm thereafter, shaped as much by qualification mathematics as by open play. Tanzania, aware that a draw could still be enough if results elsewhere went their way, maintained their structure while pressing selectively. The Carthage Eagles, equally conscious of protecting second place behind Nigeria, focused on game management rather than risk.
As rain poured over the Stade Olympique in Rabat, both benches turned to their substitutes in search of control rather than chaos. The North Africans made late changes to preserve key players, while Tanzania pushed cautiously for a winner that would remove any doubt.
Five minutes of added time passed without further goals, and the final whistle confirmed a result that suited both teams. Nigeria, already qualified before kickoff, completed the group stage with nine points, while Tunisia ended on four and Tanzania on two.
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