AFCON: Paul Put urges belief as Cranes regroup after Tanzania draw

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Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has urged his players to remain confident and focused despite missing out on victory against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Allan Okello missed a late penalty as Uganda were held to a 1–1 draw by Tanzania Taifa Stars in their second Group C match at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. The result leaves the Cranes with one point from two games and still searching for their first AFCON win.

Put felt his side did enough to win the match but failed to take their chances.

Uganda's midfielder #21 Allan Okello misses a penalty during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Uganda and Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on December 27, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

“I think we didn’t deserve a draw. We had more opportunities and more ball possession,” Put said.

He admitted the missed penalty was a painful moment but stressed it was part of the game.

“We also missed a penalty, which is very painful, but that is football. We have a very young team, and my responsibility is also to build a team for 2027 because we are the host country,” he said.

Uganda started the match strongly and nearly took an early lead in the eighth minute when Allan Okello beat his marker and curled a shot that was well saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba.

Uganda's forward #09 Uche Ikpeazu celebrates his goal with Uganda's defender #05 Toby Sibbick during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Uganda and Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on December 27, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Tanzania responded through Feisal Salum, who skipped past Baba Alhassan before shooting from distance, but his effort missed the target. Rogers Kassim Mato later came close for Uganda, but his powerful header struck the crossbar in the 16th minute.

Uganda dominated much of the first half and created more chances, but the teams went into the break goalless.

Put had made five changes from the side that lost 3–1 to Tunisia. Captain Denis Onyango returned in goal, replacing Salim Jamal, while Travis Mutyaba, Baba Alhassan, Allan Okello and Bobosi Byaruhanga were introduced into the starting line-up.

Tanzania took the lead in the 57th minute after Baba Alhassan was penalised for handball in the box. Saimon Msuva calmly converted the penalty to make it 1–0.

Uganda's midfielder #12 Baba Alhassan and Tanzania's midfielder #20 Novatus Miroshi vie during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Uganda and Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on December 27, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Uganda pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 81st minute when substitute Karl Uchechwukwu Ikpeazu headed home from Denis Omedi’s cross, with Put’s substitutions paying off.

Late drama followed when Uganda were awarded a penalty after James Bogere was fouled in the box. Okello stepped up but sent his effort over the crossbar, denying the Cranes a famous win.

Put said he had spoken to his players and asked them to keep believing.

Tanzania's forward #12 Simon Msuva celebrates his goal with Tanzania's forward #21 Kelvin John during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Uganda and Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on December 27, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

“I told the players that we must keep the belief. You have to play until the last game,” he said.

Uganda now face a tough test against Nigeria in their final Group C match on Tuesday, December 30.

The Super Eagles have already qualified for the Round of 16 after beating Tunisia 3–2, with goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Despite the disappointment, Put insisted the Cranes must reset and prepare well.

Uganda's players pose prior the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Uganda and Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on December 27, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

“Yes, we are disappointed, but we need to reset the mindset and prepare for the match against Nigeria. We know it will not be easy,” he said.

Uganda must produce a strong performance against Nigeria to keep their hopes of progressing from Group C alive.