- Uganda vs Tanzania will be played on Saturday, December 27, at Stade El Barid.
- Kick-off is set for 8:30 PM EAT / 6:30 PM local time.
- Both sides are seeking redemption after defeats in their opening AFCON 2025 matches.
Uganda Cranes midfielder Allan Okello has called for a sharp response when Uganda takes on neighbours Tanzania in a decisive Group C encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as both sides look to bounce back from opening-match defeats in Morocco.
The Cranes suffered a 3-1 loss to Tunisia in their tournament opener at Stade Olympique de Rabat, while Tanzania’s Taifa Stars fell narrowly, 2-1, to Nigeria.
With no points on the board for either side, Saturday night’s East African derby at Al Medina Stadium has taken on added significance for both camps.
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Uganda vs Tanzania: Allan Okello take ahead of the E.A Derby
Okello, who plays his club football at Uganda Premier League side Vipers SC, believes the derby atmosphere alone demands a stronger showing from Uganda, stressing that the team understands what is at stake as they chase qualification to the knockout rounds.
“This will not be an easy match, being a derby. However, we plot to have a far better improved performance because we need to win the game if we are to realise our first target of qualifying from the group,” Okello said while addressing the media in Rabat on Friday, alongside head coach Paul Put.
Uganda struggled to impose themselves early against Tunisia, conceding twice in the opening half-hour, but Okello insists lessons have been learned as the Cranes shift focus to Tanzania.
“We did not start the way we needed but we have regrouped well, trained well and focusing for the next game. The game against Tunisia is now history. Both Uganda and Tanzania have realistic chances of progressing to the next stage,” he added.
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For Okello personally, the fixture carries extra weight. The left-footed playmaker is experiencing is making his Africa Cup of Nations debut, and he views the pressure as an opportunity rather than a burden.
“This is my first AFCON tournament, the biggest football tournament in Africa. It comes with pressure but a big opportunity to showcase my full potential as a player at the biggest stage,” Okello remarked.
Head coach Paul Put confirmed that Uganda will be without defender Elio Capradossi due to a back injury, while Timothy Awany is also unavailable after sustaining a knock in the Tunisia match and dealing with a family bereavement.
Despite those absences, there are no new injury concerns in camp, and Put is expected to make tactical changes to inject more balance and aggression into his side that lost in the opener.
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The Uganda-Tanzania clash is more than just a battle for points; it is a contest shaped by regional pride, history, and the urgent need for revival.
With Group C finely poised, victory on Saturday could completely alter the qualification picture, while defeat would leave the losing side staring at an early exit.
