AFCON 2025: Nigerian-born striker's late header earns Uganda draw against Tanzania

A dramatic late goal from Nigerian-born striker Uche Ikpeazu secured a 1-1 draw for Uganda against Tanzania.

The result has major implications for Nigeria’s qualification hopes in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ikpeazu, who has a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, came off the bench to rescue a point for the Cranes in a rain-soaked encounter in Morocco.

His powerful header earned Uganda their first point of the tournament and ensured the group remains finely balanced heading into the final round of matches.

Tanzania looked set for a crucial victory after Simon Msuva broke the deadlock just after the hour mark.

The winger calmly converted a penalty awarded for a handball by Ugandan midfielder Baba Alhassan, sending his strike into the top corner beyond experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who was making his first start of the competition.

As conditions worsened and heavy rain fell, Uganda increased the pressure in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off late on when Denis Omedi whipped in a dangerous cross from the flank. Ikpeazu timed his run perfectly, rising above the Tanzanian defense to power a header past goalkeeper Zuberi Foba and spark celebrations among the Ugandan bench.

The drama was far from over. Uganda were handed a golden chance to snatch all three points when substitute James Bogere was fouled inside the penalty area.

However, Allan Okello blazed his spot-kick over the crossbar, letting Tanzania escape what could have been a decisive blow.

Tanzania nearly had the final say moments later, but a late effort flashed just wide of Onyango’s goal, sealing a share of the spoils.

The result leaves Group C wide open. Both Uganda and Tanzania must now win their final group matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Uganda face a high-stakes clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday, a must-win encounter for the West African giants if they are to secure progression to the next round.

For Tanzania, victory against Tunisia in their final fixture is the only route to the Round of 16, setting up a tense and dramatic conclusion to the group stage.