Simon Msuva delivered a big-game performance for Tanzania and walked away with the Man of the Match award in a tense 1-1 draw against Uganda at AFCON 2025.
Directing the line with intelligence and composure, Msuva was Tanzania’s key attacking reference all evening. He constantly stretched the Ugandan defence with well-timed runs, linked cleverly with teammates, and offered an outlet whenever his side needed to relieve pressure.
His crowning moment came in the 59th minute, when he stepped up from the spot and buried a right-footed penalty into the top-left corner to put Tanzania 1-0 up at Al Medina Stadium.
Beyond the goal, he remained a constant threat, registering multiple shots, drawing fouls in advanced areas and being caught offside more than once, an indication of how often he tried to get in behind.
Msuva also contributed outside the box, helping to initiate attacks and combining on the right flank, while pressing Ugandan defenders and forcing hurried clearances. Even after Uganda equalised late on through Uche Ikpeazu’s header, the Tanzanian forward kept pushing for a winner, underlining why he deserved the Man of the Match award in front of 10,540 fans.
