SOCCER: Draw with Tunisia sends Tanzania into Cup of Nations last 16

RABAT – Tanzania secured a second-half equalizer to hold Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in their final Group C match at the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, earning a spot in the last 16.

Tanzania’s second point of the tournament was enough for them to advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Feisal Salum scored a powerful shot three minutes into the second half to level the game after Tunisia had taken the lead through a 43rd-minute penalty converted by Ismael Gharbi.

Tunisia finished second in the group behind Nigeria, who defeated Uganda 3-1 in Fes, while Tanzania claimed third place.

In the last 16, Tunisia will face Mali in Casablanca on Saturday, and Tanzania will meet hosts Morocco in Rabat on Sunday.

Salum’s goal slipped past Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen in the rainy conditions in Rabat after Tanzania defender Ibrahim Abdallah had conceded a penalty for a handball.

Gharbi converted the penalty, having earlier struck the woodwork with a left-footed shot from the right side of the box in the first significant chance of the game.

Tanzania’s draw resulted in Angola being eliminated from the tournament by the narrowest of margins. Both teams finished third in their respective groups with two points and a goal difference of minus one, but Tanzania had scored three goals compared to Angola’s two.

This marks the first time a team with just two points has advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019.

It is also the first time Tanzania, who will co-host the 2027 Cup of Nations with neighbors Kenya and Uganda, has progressed beyond the group stage. However, they are still seeking their first victory at the finals, holding a record of five draws and seven defeats in 12 matches.

-Writing by Mark Gleeson in Tangier; Editing by Christian Radnedge and Ed Osmond/Reuters