Tunisia and Tanzania have both secured qualification to the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after playing out a 1-1 draw in their final Group C encounter on Tuesday afternoon.
The decisive fixture at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah saw both sides pushing for a result that would confirm their progression to the knockout phase, with tension high from the opening exchanges.
Tunisia edged in front shortly before the break when they were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute. Ismael Gharbi calmly converted from the spot, firing an unstoppable effort past Tanzania goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga to give the Carthage Eagles the advantage at halftime.
The first goal is always special. Ismaël Gharbi for Tunisia. 🇹🇳❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/zEcrwaQNpZ
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025
Tanzania responded almost immediately after the restart, drawing level just three minutes into the second half. Feisal Salum produced a fine finish following an assist from Novatus Miroshi to restore parity and reignite the contest.
Feisal Salum. What a shot. 🤩🇹🇿#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/oNhLgslK77
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025
Both teams continued to search for a winning goal, creating attacking moments in an open second half, but neither side was able to find a breakthrough as the match ended all square.
The result saw Tunisia finish second in Group C with four points, behind group winners Nigeria. Tanzania, which collected two points, also progressed from the group for the first time in their history alongside Nigeria and Tunisia to reach the Round of 16 stage of AFCON 2025.
