Uche Ikpeazu’s late heroics earned Uganda a dramatic 1-1 draw against East African neighbours Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter in Rabat, while Allan Okello missed a chance to snatch victory from the penalty spot.
Both sides claimed their first points in the group following opening defeats to Tunisia and Nigeria, respectively.
Tanzania initially took the lead in the 59th minute when Simon Msuva calmly converted a penalty after a handball by Uganda midfielder Baba Alhassan inside the box.
The strike denied the Taifa Stars a historic first win in continental finals, extending their wait to 11 matches.
Uganda fought back through Ikpeazu, whose diving header from Denis Omedi’s cross restored parity.
Later in the match, Uganda earned a golden opportunity to claim all three points when Haji Mnoga tugged James Bogere’s shirt in the penalty area.
However, Okello, affectionately known as “Star Boy” back home, saw his spot-kick sail over the crossbar, leaving the scores level.
The contest had echoes of the long-standing regional rivalry, but it marked the first meeting between the two nations at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda had earlier threatened to take the lead when Rogers Mato’s header rattled the crossbar inside the opening 15 minutes, but the decisive moments arrived after halftime.
Despite Tanzania’s early advantage, Ikpeazu’s late intervention and Okello’s missed penalty ensured the sides shared the spoils in a tense and tightly contested encounter.
