Tanzania and Tunisia will lock horns on Tuesday evening in a decisive Group C encounter at Rabat’s Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annexe, with a coveted place in the Round of 16 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 on the line.
The clash carries historic significance, marking the first time the two nations are meeting at the AFCON finals.
Their only previous encounters came during the qualifiers for the 2021 edition, where Tunisia edged Tanzania 1-0 in Radès on November 13, 2020, courtesy of a Youssef Msakni strike.
Tunisia head into the match as favourites, sitting second in Group C behind leaders Nigeria and knowing that progression would see them reach the knockout stages of the continental showpiece for the 15th time.
The North Africans have leaned on experience and tactical discipline throughout the group stage and will be eager to seal qualification without leaving matters to chance.
Tanzania, however, remain firmly in contention. The Taifa Stars are third in the group with one point after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uganda and will need a positive result to keep their AFCON dream alive.
Encouragingly, Tanzania have found the net in both of their matches at the current tournament, a feat they had previously only managed in their first two games at the 1980 edition.
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi has stressed the importance of mental strength ahead of the tie, noting that tactical preparation must be matched by sharp focus and resilience.
His sentiments were echoed by midfielder Dylan Braun, who emphasised mindset as a decisive factor at this stage of the competition.
On the Tanzanian bench, head coach Miguel Gamondi expects a tough contest and has hinted at tactical flexibility, saying rigid formations have little place in a tournament as demanding as AFCON.
Defender Novatus Miroshi struck a defiant tone, insisting the Taifa Stars are ready to give everything to make their nation proud.
With qualification at stake, Rabat is set for a tense and compelling African football spectacle.
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