Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put and his Tanzania’s Taifa Stars counterpart Miguel Gamondi have reflected on the stalemate the two East African sides registered in Group C of the ongoing TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) played on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Allan Okello’s stoppage-time penalty miss proved costly as an intense East African derby ended in a 1–1 draw at the Stade El Barid in Rabat.

Uganda were handed a golden opportunity to claim all three points after substitute Karl Ikpeazu had drawn them level to cancel out Simon Msuva’s opener, but Okello blazed his spot-kick over the crossbar at the stroke of full time, denying the Cranes a dramatic victory.

Victory would have significantly boosted Uganda’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Instead, the draw leaves both sides facing must-win scenarios on the final day of Group C action.

“First, we are a little disappointed that we did not win, but I do believe we had a very good game with high intensity. In attacking we lost some balls. Uganda created some good chances, and I think we changed well in the second half. We created chances, dominated and were dangerous, but we made a mistake to allow for a cross which resulted in a goal. We feel sorry for all the Tanzanian people that we did not win, but we continue working hard in this tough competition,” Gamondi told CAF.

“I think we didn’t deserve a draw. I think we had more opportunities. If you look at the ball possession, we had more of it. We also missed a penalty, which is very painful, but that is a part of football. We have a very young team, so my responsibility is also to build a team for 2027 because we are the host country. I spoke to the players and informed that we need to keep the belief. You have to play until the last game. Yes, we are disappointed, but we need to reset the mindset and prepare for the match against Nigeria, which we know will not be easy.” Put said.

Tanzania will next face Tunisia at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, while Uganda travel to Fez for a decisive encounter against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.