Tanzania qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage for the first time in their history after drawing 1-1 with Tunisia in a thrilling Group C encounter at the 2025 AFCON in Rabat on Tuesday.
Ismail Gharbi put Tunisia ahead from the penalty spot just before half-time, but Faisal Salam equalized early in the second half to give Tanzania a historic result in the Moroccan capital.
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Taifa Stars had been trying to progress beyond the group stage since their AFCON debut in 1980 and had failed to win any of their last 12 matches in four tournaments. Despite still searching for their first AFCON win, Tanzania advanced to the Round of 16 with two draws and one loss.
Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five less than group winners Nigeria. Tanzania secured one of the four spots reserved for the best third-placed teams, overtaking Angola on goals away.
In the group's other match, already qualified Nigeria maintained a perfect record with a 3–1 win over 10-man Uganda, with Raphael Onyedika scoring twice.
Tanzania will now face tournament hosts and title favorites Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, while Tunisia face Mali a day earlier. Nigeria will face the third-placed team from Group F in the clash on Monday.
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi, who was appointed last month to replace Hemed Suleiman, expressed pride in the team's achievement.
“I feel very proud, not only for myself but for the country. I wanted to change the mentality of Tanzanians always being the underdog.
“Qualifying is a great thing for Tanzania. I hope this success will remind these players and the next generation of the potential of Tanzanian football.”
