At the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, Uganda’s Allan Okello was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against his country’s neighbor, Tanzania.
After Uche Ikpeazu scored a late equaliser for the Cranes in front of 10, 540 fans at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium, Okello’s failure to convert from the spot gave Uganda a priceless victory in Group C.
Before that, it appeared as though Tanzania, which has lost all but 10 of its previous AFCON matches, might finally win when Simon Msuva scored from the penalty spot.
With 10 minutes left, Ikpeazu, who plays for St Johnstone in the Scottish second division, headed in a cross from fellow substitute Denis Omedi to bring the score level.
“I feel terrible because I don’t believe this draw was merited.” Coach Paul Put of Uganda, “I believe we had more opportunities.”
He remarked about the missed penalty, saying, “That is also football.”
The regional rivals, who will host the 2027 Cup of Nations with Kenya in addition, have little chance of making it to Group C’s last 16 due to their stalemate.
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Both teams are currently tied for one point after two matches, with Tunisia and Nigeria facing off in Fes on Saturday.
Despite their best efforts, Put’s team will face Nigeria on the next day.
Uganda, who have won just one AFCON championship game win in three games since 1978’s final, came closest to scoring in the first half.
Rogers Mato’s head hit a left-angled Aziz Kayondo cross, which bounced back after the effort fell off the crossbar.
Just before the hour mark, Alphonce Msanga’s shot struck the arm of Ugandan Baba Alhassan, who was awarded a spot-kick.
The seasoned Msuva, who plays for club football in Iraq, was unaffected when he first started scoring goals at three different AFCON competitions.
However, Tanzania wasted the lead after a dramatic end to the game in the midst of a pouring downpour before breathing a great sigh of relief as Uganda missed a chance to win.
When James Bogere fell as his shirt was pulled by Tanzania defender Haji Mnoga of Salford City, Ikpeazu won the penalty and the game was 1-1.
Okello stepped up just before the 90th minute when the game was in the 90th, perhaps offended by a massive thunderclap that sent his kick over the bar.
Coach Miguel Angel Gamondi expressed his disappointment with the outcome, “We tried to win the game but we could have lost it in the final five minutes.”
“I’m sorry for everyone in Tanzania,” the hosts said after their first victory at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: Channels TV
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