Taifa Stars of Tanzania kept their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 dream alive after battling to a crucial 1–1 draw against North African giants Tunisia at Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
In a match that demanded character and composure, Tanzania showed resilience to come from behind and earn a point that could prove decisive in their push for a place in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams.
Tunisia dominated possession early on, but Tanzania remained disciplined at the back. The Carthage Eagles eventually took the lead late in the first half after Ismael Gharbi converted from the penalty spot following a VAR review.
Despite trailing at the break, the Taifa Stars returned with renewed belief and attacking intent. Their persistence was rewarded in the 54th minute when Feisal Salum produced a moment of brilliance, curling a superb shot from outside the box that deceived the Tunisian goalkeeper and sparked celebrations among Tanzanian fans back home and across East Africa.
From that moment on, Tanzania grew in confidence, managing the game intelligently and limiting Tunisia’s attacking threat. With qualification scenarios in mind, the Taifa Stars controlled the tempo in the closing stages to secure a vital point.
The result confirmed Tunisia’s progression to the Round of 16, but more importantly, it keeps Tanzania firmly in contention to advance as one of the best four third-placed teams, a significant achievement for the East African nation.