Late penalty miss denies Uganda AFCON win against Tanzania

Late penalty miss denies Uganda AFCON win against Tanzania
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Allan Okello of Uganda failed to score from a late penalty, forcing his team into a 1-1 draw with East African rivals Tanzania during the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

The missed spot kick prevented Uganda from securing a vital win in their Group C encounter, following Uche Ikpeazus late leveller for the Cranes before 10540 supporters at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.

Earlier, it seemed Tanzania, without a victory in 10 prior games over four AFCON editions, could end their drought as Simon Msuva converted a penalty to give them the lead.

Yet Ikpeazu, a player in Scotlands second division with St Johnstone, nodded in a delivery from substitute teammate Denis Omedi to make it level with 10 minutes left.

This deadlock among the neighbouring sides, set to jointly host the 2027 Cup of Nations with Kenya, offers scant aid to their hopes of reaching the last 16 in Group C.

Each side has earned one point from two fixtures and lags behind Nigeria and Tunisia, as those past champions meet later that day in Fes.

Uganda, with only one AFCON triumph in three participations since their 1978 final defeat to Ghana, posed the biggest threat in the opening period.

Aziz Kayondo sent over a ball from the left flank, which Rogers Mato headed against the crossbars underside.

Tanzania earned a penalty shortly before the hour when Alphonce Msangas effort hit the arm of Ugandas Baba Alhassan within the penalty area.

Veteran Msuva, who competes in Iraq at club level, slotted it home confidently and has now netted at three separate AFCON events.

Still, the matches tense conclusion under heavy rain allowed Tanzania to lose their advantage before exhaling in relief as Uganda squandered a chance to triumph.

Ikpeazu equalised at 1-1, and Uganda gained a late penalty after James Bogere fell following a shirt tug by Tanzanias Salford City defender Haji Mnoga.

In the 90th minute, Okello approached the ball but may have been distracted by a loud thunderclap right before striking it high over the crossbar.