Uganda Cranes face Tanzania on Saturday in crucial AFCON derby

Africa Cup of Nations

Saturday 27th

 Group C
Uganda v Tanzania, 6:30pm

Uganda Cranes will take on neighbours Tanzania in a must-win Group C clash at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as both teams seek to revive their campaigns following opening defeats.

Uganda’s journey began on a disappointing note with a 3–1 loss to group leaders Tunisia.

Head coach Paul Put has urged his players to rise to the occasion and show belief despite the mounting pressure.

“We just need to do better in all aspects. The players need to rise to the occasion. There is a lot of pressure but we have to stand up because we performed well in the qualifiers. The players must believe they can play at this level,” Put said.

The Belgian tactician is expected to field a full-strength side as Uganda aim to avoid a third consecutive defeat.

“Derbies are always tricky games. Tanzania is a very good team, but we must show more hunger and a stronger desire to win than them,” he added.

Tanzania also enter the match in search of redemption after a 2–1 defeat to Nigeria in their opener, extending their winless run at AFCON finals to eight matches.

This East African derby promises to be tight, as history suggests. Uganda have won 12 of the last 20 meetings, with four draws and four losses. Their 2023 AFCON qualifiers highlighted the balance between the two sides, with each winning 1–0 away from home.

Defensive discipline has defined this rivalry. Only three of Uganda’s last 11 competitive matches have seen both teams score, while Tanzania have recorded similar numbers, with just three of their last nine producing goals at both ends.

Put is expected to build his team around midfielder Allan Okello, who will be key in controlling the tempo. Rogers Kassim Mato is likely to lead the attack as Uganda’s main goal threat, with the Cranes needing sharper finishing after managing only one shot on target against Tunisia.

For Tanzania, captain Mbwana Samatta’s leadership will be vital, while Feisal Salum is expected to provide creativity in midfield. Forward Charles M’Mombwa, scorer against Nigeria, is set to retain his place.

Head coach Miguel Gamondi may adjust his defence after struggles in the opener. Gamondi also knows Uganda well, having coached midfielder Khalid Aucho at club level. Aucho and Steven Mukwala both play their club football in Tanzania.

The match will be played at Stade El Barid in Rabat on Saturday, December 27, with kick-off at 6:30pm local time. It will mark the first-ever AFCON meeting between Uganda and Tanzania.

Overall, the two nations have clashed 61 times in all competitions. Uganda lead with 33 wins, Tanzania have 12, and 16 matches have ended in draws.

The rivalry dates back to 1964, when Tanzania defeated Uganda 3–0 in the East African Cup. Uganda’s biggest win came in 1991, a 5–0 thrashing in the CECAFA Cup.

Uganda’s record against East African opponents at AFCON is poor, with defeats to Ethiopia in 1968 and 1976. Tanzania’s only AFCON clash with an East African rival ended in a 3–2 loss to Kenya in 2019.

Statistics add pressure on the Cranes. Uganda have lost their opening match in five of their eight AFCON appearances and won just once in their last nine finals matches. They have never won their second group game since the introduction of the group stage in 1968.

Tanzania, meanwhile, continue their search for a first-ever AFCON victory, having lost all four of their opening matches at the finals but managing to score in each appearance.