Uganda were denied a crucial Africa Cup of Nations victory after Allan Okello missed a late penalty in a 1–1 draw with Tanzania in Group C in Rabat on Saturday.
The Cranes looked set to snatch all three points after Uche Ikpeazu headed in a late equaliser, but Okello blazed over from the spot in the 90th minute to leave both sides with a point apiece. The result leaves Uganda and Tanzania on one point from two matches, behind Nigeria and Tunisia.
Tanzania had taken the lead just before the hour mark when Simon Msuva converted from the penalty spot after Alphonce Msanga’s shot struck the arm of Baba Alhassan inside the area. It was a landmark moment for Tanzania, who had gone winless in their previous 10 AFCON matches, and Msuva has now scored at three different tournaments.
Uganda responded late on. Ikpeazu, who plays for St Johnstone in Scotland, rose to head home a cross from fellow substitute Denis Omedi with 10 minutes remaining, sparking hopes of a comeback win in front of 10,540 fans at Al Medina Stadium.
Those hopes grew when James Bogere was pulled down in the box by Haji Mnoga in stoppage time. Okello stepped up under heavy rain and a crack of thunder, but sent his effort over the bar.
Uganda had earlier come close in the first half when Rogers Mato’s header from an Aziz Kayondo cross struck the underside of the crossbar.
The stalemate does little to boost either side’s chances of reaching the last 16, with co hosts of the 2027 tournament now needing results in their final group matches to stay alive.
