President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania has hailed the national men’s football team, Taifa Stars, for finishing third in Group C of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) and sealing a place in the competition’s knockout stages.
At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Tanzania and Tunisia played to a 1–1 draw at the end of a largely subdued contest, Tanzania coming from a goal down to equalise in a result that carried significant implications for the Group standings.
”Ninaipongeza timu yetu ya Taifa ya mpira wa miguu, Taifa Stars kwa kufuzu hatua ya 16 bora ya michuano ya Kombe la Mataifa ya Afrika (AFCON) kwa mara ya kwanza katika historia ya nchi yetu. Heshima hii kubwa kwetu ni matokeo ya maandalizi mazuri na kujituma kwenu katika kila mchezo. Mmeandika historia kubwa kwa Taifa letu na mmeleta furaha kwa Watanzania wote. Hongereni sana. Ninawatakia kila la kheri katika michezo inayofuata.” Suluhu wrote on X shortly after the match.
Tunisia enjoyed early control of possession but struggled to raise the tempo. After a series of attacks and threats at goal from Ismael Gharbi, including a cracking left-foot curler that struck the post, the Carthage Eagles were eventually rewarded in the 42nd minute.
Hazem Mastouri was fouled in the box by Bakari Mwamnyeto, and following a lengthy VAR review, Tunisia was awarded a penalty. Gharbi stepped up to convert, giving Tunisia a deserved lead.
The North Africans went into the break 1–0 ahead after a first half that was low on rhythm but comfortably managed.
After the restart, Tunisia opted to protect their advantage rather than push on. That cautious approach gradually invited Tanzania back into the game, with the Taifa Stars growing in confidence and intent.
The ambitious Tanzanians finally found their moment in the 54th minute. Feisal Salum curled a fine effort from the edge of the area, the bounce catching goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen off guard as the ball nestled into the net.
The closing stages lacked intensity, as both sides made multiple substitutions and appeared content with the outcome. Tanzania, aware that the point could place them among the best third-placed teams, managed the clock intelligently.
The 1–1 draw officially secured Tunisia’s qualification to the Round of 16 in second place in the group. At the same time, Tanzania preserved a strong chance of progression as one of the best four third-placed teams.
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