RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Tanzania and Tunisia beat Angola to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday to clinch the final spot in the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Tanzania’s Faysal Salum’s goal canceled out Ismael Gharbi’s penalty and Taifa Stars advanced to the last 16 as one of the best third places in the six groups.
Angola, who finished third in Group B, expected Tunisia to beat Tanzania, and Nigeria responded by defeating Uganda 3-1.
But Tanzania’s goal proved the difference. Tanzania and Angola both finished with two points and a goal difference of -1. Salm’s goal meant that Taifa Stars had scored more points in the group stage (3 goals for Tanzania vs. 2 goals for Angola) and meant they would advance to the next round.
“We hope this serves as a reminder to these players and the next generation of the potential of Tanzanian football,” said Taifa Stars coach Miguel Gamondi.
Tunisia advanced as Group C runners-up, but it was not enough to placate fans who blew the whistle on the team after cheering in the rain in Rabat.
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi said, “Maybe we didn’t play our best, but we’re very happy to have qualified.”
The match started with an intensity and desperation usually only seen in the final minutes when the Carthage Eagles laid siege to the Tanzanian goal.
Garbi shook the left post and attempted a bold shot from near the halfway line, but was tackled from both sides.
Tunisia got the break after Ibrahim Hamad, who dragged Hazem Mastouri back, was given a penalty after a VAR check. In the 43rd, Garbi converted a penalty kick.
Salm responded after the break with a low shot that slid along the wet grass inside the left post.
Uganda’s three goalkeepers
With his team already secured top spot in their group, Nigeria coach Eric Schell has opted to rest a number of regulars, including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Bright Ossai-Samuel. Victor Osimhen started.
Uganda’s slim hopes were effectively ended early in the second half when Paul Onuachu scored in the 28th minute from a cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashir. Goalkeeper Dennis Onyango failed to return after the break and his substitute Salim Magoula was sent off in the 50th minute for handling the ball outside the penalty area. Magola couldn’t help stopping Osimhen’s shot.
Uganda’s third goalkeeper, Nafian Alionji, quickly conceded in the 62nd minute when Rafael Onyedika hit the ball between his legs to make it 2-0, five minutes before Onyedika added another.
Rogers Mato restored Uganda’s pride in the 75th with a fine chip to beat Francis Uzoho in the Nigeria goal.
Later on Tuesday, Senegal played Benin and Congo played Botswana to decide Group D.
Senegal, Congo, and Benin progress is certain.
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Associated Press at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
