Uganda vs Tanzania: East African Rivals Clash in Crucial AFCON 2025 Group C Battle

East African football heavyweights Uganda and Tanzania renew their longstanding rivalry at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 when they meet in a pivotal Group C clash at the Stade El Madina on Saturday at 18:30 local time (17:30 GMT).

Both sides enter the encounter desperate for their first points after opening-round defeats. Uganda fell 3–1 to Tunisia, while Tanzania suffered a narrow 2–1 loss to Nigeria.

Historic Rivalry and Recent Encounters

Although this is their first meeting at the AFCON finals under the current tournament format, Uganda and Tanzania share a six-decade-old rivalry. Their last competitive encounters were in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where the away side won 1–0 in both fixtures. Tanzania secured second place in that group, behind Algeria, edging out Uganda to book their spot in the Côte d’Ivoire finals.

Their first recorded clash dates back to 8 September 1964, when Tanzania claimed a 3–0 win in the East African Cup. Uganda’s most emphatic victory came in the CECAFA Cup on 30 November 1991, with a commanding 5–0 triumph.

Historically, Uganda has struggled against fellow East African opposition at AFCON, losing both of their previous group-stage matches against Ethiopia in 1968 and 1976. Tanzania’s only prior AFCON encounter with an East African rival ended in a 3–2 defeat to Kenya in 2019.

Adding extra spice, Uganda midfielders Khalid Aucho and Steven Mukwala currently play in Tanzania for Singida Black Stars and Simba SC, respectively, adding a personal edge to the clash.

Coaches and Players Speak

Paul Put – Uganda Coach:

“We know the situation. Losing the opening game is tough, but there’s still a high chance to progress if we get a good result. This is the most important game of the tournament; we have to be aggressive and secure the result we need.”

Allan Okello – Uganda Player:

“Our focus is on the next game. The objective remains to get out of the group stage. We need to secure a result that keeps us in the competition and makes our fans proud.”

Miguel Gamondi – Tanzania Coach:

“It was a good start despite the result. Uganda is competitive, and this will not be easy. Character and temperament will decide the game.”

Simon Msuva – Tanzania Player:

“We want our football to do the talking. We know Uganda has quality, but we also want to win and make our nation proud. We’re determined to improve on our last AFCON performance.”

Key Statistics

• Total meetings across all competitions: 61
• Uganda wins: 33
• Tanzania wins: 12
• Draws: 16

With both teams seeking their first points, Saturday’s match promises intensity, drama, and fine margins. Qualification hopes hang in the balance, making this East African showdown one of the tournament’s most eagerly anticipated encounters.