Benin reignited their hopes for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 with a crucial 1–0 victory over Botswana, while Uganda and Tanzania played out a dramatic East African derby draw, and DR Congo held Senegal in an action-packed day of group-stage football.
Tunisia and Nigeria were set to close the day with a heavyweight clash later in the evening.
Okello Misses Late Penalty in Derby Stalemate
Allan Okello’s stoppage-time penalty miss proved decisive as Uganda were held to a 1–1 draw by Tanzania in a fiercely contested East African derby at Stade El Barid in Rabat on Saturday night.
Uganda had the chance to claim all three points after substitute Karl Ikpeazu equalised to cancel out Simon Msuva’s second-half opener, but Okello sent his spot-kick over the crossbar at the death.
The result leaves both sides facing must-win scenarios heading into the final round of Group C matches.
Uganda came close in the first half through Rodgers Mato, whose powerful header from an Azizi Kayondo cross struck the crossbar. Okello also tested Tanzanian goalkeeper Foba Zuberi twice from close range.
Veteran goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, recalled to the starting XI, delivered a composed performance to keep Tanzania’s aerial threat in check.
Tanzania broke the deadlock in the 58th minute after Alhassan Baba was penalised for handball while blocking Alphonce Msanga’s effort. Msuva converted the resulting penalty with confidence.
Uganda responded ten minutes later when Ikpeazu headed home a Dennis Omedi cross. Late drama followed at both ends, but neither side could find a winner.
Tanzania next face Tunisia, while Uganda travel to Fez to take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
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Senegal 1–1 DR Congo: Mane Rescues Point in Tangier
In Tangier, Sadio Mane struck a second-half equaliser as former champions Senegal came from behind to draw 1–1 with DR Congo in an entertaining Group D encounter.
Cedric Bakambu had put DR Congo ahead on the hour mark, reacting quickest to score after Edouard Mendy saved Theo Bongonda’s initial effort.
Senegal dominated the first half and created several clear chances through Nicolas Jackson, Mane and Ismaila Sarr, but were unable to break the deadlock.
The Lions of Teranga showed character after conceding, with substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sparking the equaliser as Mane calmly slotted home the rebound.
Both teams pushed for a winner late on, but the match ended level. Senegal remain top of the group on four points, level with DR Congo but ahead on goal difference.
Benin 1–0 Botswana: Roche Strike Makes AFCON History
Yohan Roche’s first-half strike earned Benin their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory as they edged Botswana 1–0 in Rabat to revive their Round of 16 qualification hopes.
The left-back scored in the 28th minute, finishing off a move involving captain Steve Mounié, with his effort taking a slight deflection past goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
Benin had an earlier goal ruled out for offside and survived a scare just before halftime when Mothusi Johnson’s free-kick struck the crossbar.
The Squirrels defended resolutely after the break to secure a historic win, while Botswana suffered a second straight defeat that severely dents their qualification hopes.
Benin face Senegal in their final group match, while Botswana take on DR Congo, with qualification still to be decided.
