Uganda and Tanzania played out a 1–1 draw in a tense East African derby at the Al Medina Stadium, with late drama defining the Group encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Cranes started brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the 14th minute when Rogers Mato rattled the woodwork, sending a warning to the Tanzanian defence.
Both sides traded chances in an evenly balanced first half, with goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Foba producing fine saves to keep the scores level at the break.
Tanzania broke the deadlock shortly after the hour mark. Following a handball decision inside the box, Simon Msuva calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 59th minute to give the Taifa Stars the lead.
Uganda responded with renewed urgency and were rewarded ten minutes from time when Uche Ikpeazu rose highest in the box to head home the equaliser, reigniting hopes of a first tournament win.
The Cranes had a golden opportunity to snatch victory late on, but Allan Okello’s penalty sailed over the crossbar in the 88th minute, much to the relief of the Tanzanian side.
The final whistle confirmed a 1–1 draw, with both teams forced to settle for a point after a fiercely contested encounter.
Uche Dozie