Sudan and Tanzania have sealed progression to the Round of 16 at the ongoing AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, finishing among the four best third-placed teams after the conclusion of Tuesday’s decisive group fixtures.
The two CECAFA representatives advance alongside Mozambique and Benin, completing the quartet of third-placed nations that booked slots in the knockout phase.
In Group C action played on Tuesday, 30th December, Tanzania showed resilience to grind out a 1–1 draw against Tunisia, a result that proved enough to send the Taifa Stars through.
Tunisia went ahead shortly before halftime when Ismael Seifallah Gharbi struck in the 43rd minute.
Tanzania responded in the second half, with Feisal Salum Abdallah calmly slotting home the equaliser to keep his side alive.
The draw left Tanzania on two points, sufficient to qualify among the best third-placed teams after a demanding group stage campaign.
Earlier in the same group, Uganda Cranes suffered a 3–1 defeat to Nigeria in Fes, a match marked by drama and misfortune for the East Africans.
Nigeria took control midway through the first half when Trabzonspor striker Paul Ebere Onuachu headed the Super Eagles into the lead in the 28th minute.
Uganda’s problems deepened as captain and first-choice goalkeeper Denis Onyango was forced off through injury, with Salim Omar Magoola introduced in his place.
Magoola’s evening quickly turned sour after he was sin-binned for handling the ball outside the penalty area, leaving Uganda a man down. Nigeria capitalised, with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika Nwadike netting twice in quick succession in the 62nd and 67th minutes to stretch the lead to 3–0.
Uganda managed a late consolation through Rogers Kassim Mato in the 75th minute. The FC Vardar forward reduced the deficit but could not prevent the Cranes’ exit from the tournament.
In Group D, Benin’s 3–0 defeat to defending champions Senegal did not stop them from advancing, as results elsewhere worked in their favour.
Senegal cruised to victory, while the Democratic Republic of Congo also secured a 3–0 win over Botswana.
With Sudan and Tanzania joining Mozambique and Benin as the best third-placed finishers, the Round of 16 line-up is steadily forming.
The group stage action concludes on Wednesday, 31st December 2025, after which attention will fully shift to the knockout battles in Morocco.
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