Uganda Cranes forward Uche Ikpeazu has described his late equaliser against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the most meaningful moments of his career, after scoring his first-ever AFCON goal in Morocco.
“I am happy to come scored against Tanzania,” the striker said after the match. “This goal (against Tanzania) is a very special one in my career and life.”
Group C standings ahead of match day 3#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/EKJODAbZ0D
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) December 29, 2025
Ikpeazu’s words summed up the emotion of the moment after he powered home a stunning diving header in the 80th minute at the Stade Al Medina in Rabat, connecting brilliantly with a right-wing cross delivered by Denis Omedi. The goal rescued a 1-1 draw for Uganda and kept their Group C hopes alive.
Uganda had gone behind shortly after halftime when Tanzania were awarded a penalty, which Saimon Msuva converted to give the Taifa Stars the lead. But belief never faded in the Cranes’ camp, and Ikpeazu’s late intervention ensured Uganda walked away with a vital point.
With one point now from two matches, following the 3-1 loss to Tunisia in the opener, the Cranes face a decisive final group clash against Nigeria in Fez on Tuesday. The Super Eagles have already secured qualification to the knockout stage after winning both of their opening matches, including a 3-2 victory over Tunisia.
Looking ahead to the daunting encounter, Ikpeazu stressed the importance of unity and hard work.
“We are facing Nigeria next. We need to work so hard as a team to get the crucial results,” he remarked.
A big night awaits in Fez. Uganda vs Nigeria.
Tuesday, 30th December 2025#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/MYi3g9RNPm
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) December 29, 2025
Nigeria currently top Group C with six points, while Tunisia and Tanzania will face each other in the other final group fixture. For Uganda, progression remains a challenge, but Ikpeazu’s words, and his timely goal, have injected renewed belief into the Cranes’ AFCON campaign.
