David GOMBE
Tanzania fought back to draw with Tunisia in Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to reach the knock out stage of the competition.
Both nations progressed to the last 16 following a 1-1 draw in Rabat.
Tunisia who won the competition in 2004 needed just a point to secure second spot and slot in the next round.
They finished behind Nigeria while the Taifa Stars advanced as the last of four best-ranked third placed teams – edging out Angola on goals scored.
Ismael Gharbi had given Tunisia the lead from a 43rd minute penalty.
The spot-kick had been awarded after an intervention by the video assistant referee (VAR), with referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo deciding that Ibrahim Hamad had impeded the run of Hazem Mastouri with an arm around his neck as the Tunisia striker tried to get on the end of a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick.
Trailing 1-0, Tanzania still had a chance to progress with a score draw and Feisal Salum made it 1-1 after the recess.
There were few chances for either side to grab a winner, with Tanzania striker Simon Msuva coming closest when he headed a corner into the side-netting at the near post.
The East African nation became the first side to progress to the last 16 at an Afcon with two points since the tournament was expanded to a 24-team tournament in 2019.
Tunisia will take on Group A runners-up Mali in Casablanca on Saturday, 3rd January while Tanzania -who have reached the knockout stage for the first time – remain in Rabat to face host nation Morocco the following day.