Tanzania and Uganda both began their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns with defeats in Group C leaving the two East African sides under early pressure ahead of their next matches.
Tanzania were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria in a rain-soaked match in Fes. The Super Eagles controlled much of the first half and took the lead in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi headed in from Alex Iwobi’s cross.
Nigeria pushed for a second goal before the break, but Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba kept his side in the game with several key saves.
Tanzania responded positively after half-time and equalized in the 50th minute when Charles M’Mombwa finished from close range after a cross from Novatus Miroshi. However, their joy was short-lived as Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead just two minutes later, cutting inside and firing into the top corner to seal the win.
Earlier in Rabat, Uganda were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Tunisia, who claimed their first opening-match win at AFCON in 12 years.
Tunisia took control early, with Ellyes Skhiri heading in from a corner after 10 minutes. Elias Achouri doubled the lead shortly before half-time with a well-taken volley inside the box.
Achouri struck again in the second half, capitalising on a rebound after Uganda goalkeeper Salim Magoola failed to hold Ali Abdi’s shot. Uganda struggled to create chances and did not register a shot on target until added time, when Denis Omedi scored a consolation goal following a deflection.
The results leave Tanzania and Uganda at the bottom of Group C after the first round of matches. The two sides will now face each other in an all; East Africa derby in Rabat on Saturday, knowing another defeat could end their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Nigeria will take on Tunisia later the same day, with both teams aiming to secure early qualification for the round of 16.
