By Ngabo Amon and Nabakibi Doreen Malaika
East Africa will have only one team in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations after Uganda bowed out while Tanzania progressed in dramatic fashion.
The Uganda Cranes went into their final group match knowing the challenge was tough. They played with improved discipline and urgency, but the margins were narrow, and results elsewhere did not go their way. It marked another early exit and extended Uganda’s wait for a real breakthrough on the continent’s biggest football stage.
For Tanzania, it was a historic and emotional night. The Taifa Stars not only qualified, they carried the hopes of the entire region. Calm, organised and tactically disciplined, Tanzania made their moment count and booked a place in the Round of 16, becoming East Africa’s only representatives beyond the group stage.
A Familiar Story for Uganda
Uganda’s campaign promised a lot but delivered too little. Moments of quality were undone by defensive lapses and missed chances. Once again, the Cranes leave AFCON thinking about what might have been and what must change if Uganda is to compete consistently with Africa’s top teams.
Tanzania Step Up for East Africa
Tanzania’s qualification is bigger than a national achievement. In a tournament dominated by West and North African powerhouses, the Taifa Stars have shown that East Africa can compete, adjust and stay in the contest. Their success sends a message to neighbours Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia: progress is possible with patience and structure.
East Africa’s AFCON Status
Qualified: Tanzania
Eliminated: Uganda
Round of 16 Test
Tanzania now face a huge knockout challenge against tournament giants Côte d’Ivoire, a match that will test how far East Africa has come — and how far it still needs to go.
