AFCON 2025: Uganda, Tanzania clash in East African derby as Nigeria battle Tunisia

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to heat up with the second round of Group C matches taking centre stage on Saturday, 27 December.

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The East African Derby, pitting Uganda against Tanzania, will open the day for Group C before paving the way for the Tunisia versus Nigeria clash.

Uganda vs Tanzania

East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania will renew their rivalry when they face off in a 2025 AFCON Group C match at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat from 2030 hrs (EAT).

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The stakes in the match are high on all fronts. First, the hope of qualification to the round of 16 lies in both teams’ hands, even though the odds have been reduced after they both lost their opening matches.

Uganda suffered a 3-1 thumping by Tunisia in their opening match, while Tanzania were handed a 2-1 beating by Nigeria.

Importantly for the fans, though, it is an East African derby and the bragging rights are up for grabs, making it one of the most anticipated matches in the tournament.

Additionally, being the first meeting between the two sides at the AFCON finals, both will be keen to have a positive mention in the history books.

Overall, the two teams have met 61 times, with the Uganda Cranes claiming victory 33 times, Tanzania winning 12, with 16 others ending in a draw.

Uganda have met East African opposition twice at AFCON and lost 2-1 and 2-0 to Ethiopia in the group stages of the 1968 and 1976 tournaments.

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Tanzania’s only meeting with an East African nation ended in a 3-2 defeat to Kenya in the 2019 edition.

However, what will matter most is the output of each team in the evening encounter.

Ugandan head coach Paul Put is keen to make good use of this match to increase their qualification chances.

“I think we know the situation. We lost the opening game, which is not ideal in a tough competition like this. We have to focus on this upcoming game and put the result behind us because there is still a high chance of us progressing if we secure a good result.

It is currently the most important game of the tournament, and we will have to be aggressive and secure the result we need,” said Put.

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His Tanzanian counterpart, Miguel Gamondi, opines that the result of the Tunisia clash does not reflect the nature of their game, but believes composure in the derby will be key.

“It was a good start despite the result. A win would be historic. Uganda are not a giant, but they are not an average team either. As East African nations, we are quite close in the level of competitiveness.

All our encounters have been very competitive. This will not be an easy game. They had a strong qualification campaign, so we are on the same level. Character and temperament will decide the game,” stated Gamondi in his pre-match press conference.

Nigeria vs Tunisia

The East African derby will usher in another big clash between African giants Nigeria and Tunisia at the 45,000 seater Complex Sportif de Fes from 2300 hrs.

Both sides head into the match having won their opening matches and are therefore keen to secure qualification to the round of 16 with a win in this encounter.

Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi considers the 2025 AFCON as a tournament that they can use to soothe the pain of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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“There is no pressure on us — none at all. We didn’t qualify for the World Cup, but we are ready for this tournament. This competition is another opportunity to put things right.

The players are ready, the team is ready, the manager is ready, and everyone around the group is fully prepared. What we went through during the World Cup qualifiers was painful — exiting in that way hurt. But now we are focused,” said Ndidi.

“This tournament gives us a real opportunity to achieve something, and we are determined to make the most of it,” he added.

Tunisian defender Montassar Talbi highlighted what they must do to overcome the Super Eagles.

“When we play against big teams, we give our best. We have already played against strong opponents, and we performed well. To win this game, we need to trust ourselves and give everything we have.

Everyone in the group must stay united and continue working as if this is our first game. We must protect our discipline, our concentration, and always give our best,” revealed Talbi.