Uganda were left ruing a costly missed penalty in the final minute as they settled for a 1-1 draw with regional rivals Tanzania in a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter.
The first-ever AFCON meeting between the East African neighbours started cautiously, with both sides showing plenty of energy but struggling to create clear chances in a scrappy first half.
The match came to life shortly before the hour mark when Tanzania were awarded a penalty for handball. Simon Msuva made no mistake from the spot, smashing his effort into the roof of the net to hand the Taifa Stars the lead.
Uganda responded with urgency and were rewarded in the 80th minute when substitute Uche Ikpeazu rose highest to power home a diving header from Denis Omedi’s cross and level the contest.
As heavy rain poured and conditions deteriorated, Uganda were handed a golden chance to snatch victory when Tanzania defender Haji Mnoga was penalised for pulling an opponent’s shirt inside the box. However, Allan Okello blazed the resulting penalty over the crossbar in the final minute of normal time.
The miss proved decisive as Tanzania held on for a point, leaving both teams with one point from their opening two Group C matches and their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Uganda now face a tough final group match against Nigeria in Fes, while Tanzania take on Tunisia in Rabat, with both fixtures kicking off at the same time.
