2025 AFCON Group C: Uganda and Tanzania to cause an upset?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Group C: Overview
Group C of the 2025 AFCON presents nothing but a classic tournament narrative: established African giants Nigeria and Tunisia face ambitious challengers Tanzania and Uganda, who have a point to prove.
Tanzania is enjoying consecutive qualifications in this tournament for the first time in their recorded history, and Uganda is making its return after a six-year absence.
Tanzania: The Taifa Stars have made history by qualifying for the AFCON finals twice in a row
Tanzania finished second in their qualifying group to secure participation in the 2025 AFCON. This is their third overall and also their second consecutive appearance in this tournament.
In the previous edition, the Taifa Stars failed to progress beyond the group stage. They finished bottom of the table with two points and were one point shy of securing a knockout spot. In fact, they've never progressed beyond the group stages in their previous three appearances, and achieving this will be a first for them.
Strengths:
- Have strategic freedom of an underdog.
- Major momentum and belief.
Weakness:
- Lack of deep AFCON experience.
- Lacking in star power and squad depth compared to their opponents in Group C.
Uganda: Will the Cranes' return be worthwhile?
Uganda are aware that they've been drawn in a very competitive group in the 2025 AFCON, and that means performing at their best to avoid early heartbreak.
The Cranes, under the astute management of Paul Put, are making their eighth overall appearance in this tournament and first since 2019. Six years ago, they were placed in Group A alongside Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe.
It was a convincing performance as they reached the Round of 16, but were unfortunate to be eliminated by Senegal.
In the current edition, head coach Paul Put is confident his team will progress beyond the group stages. His faith is placed on the experience and a touch of youthful squad.
Strengths:
- Organised and resilient defense and disciplined work rate.
- Balanced squad (a mix of experience and youth).
Weakness:
- Lack of consistent exposure in major continental competitions.
- Need for cohesion under pressure.
Uganda's return to the AFCON is a chance for them to establish themselves among the best of the best in Africa and to show the world that nations from East Africa can compete on the continental stage.
Tanzania vs Uganda: Regional subplot undoubtedly on the cards
Suppose there is one matchup that can capture the attention of millions worldwide. In that case, it has to be the regional derby between Tanzania and Uganda.
For these two nations, it's not about claiming three points in this competition, but about securing regional bragging rights.
There have been 24 meetings (including international friendlies) between these two nations, and Uganda has the upper hand with 13 wins compared to Tanzania's six, with five ending in draws.
Nigeria and Tunisia are out to prove why they are considered established favorites
Nigeria have had their fair share of success in the AFCON. The perennial powerhouse is a three-time champion in this competition, and the last time they lifted a trophy was in 2013 after a 19-year wait.
Their performance in the previous edition was nothing short of satisfying. It was unfortunate they couldn't get their hands on the silverware, suffering a 2-1 defeat against the Ivory Coast, who clinched their third title. This resulted in them finishing as runners-up.
The Super Eagles boast a star-studded team with a bulk of its players plying their trade in Europe. For this particular reason, Eric Chelle's men are not only established favorites to top Group C.
One worrying detail needs to be noted, however, and it has to do with their tendency for complacency against nations ranked lower than them, which could hurt their chances of a top finish.
Tunisia finished second in Group A of the AFCON qualifiers with ten points. They are making their 21st appearance in this tournament and have never lifted a trophy, though they did so in 2004 as the host nation.
The Carthage Eagles had a disappointing run in the previous edition. They failed to progress beyond the group stages, finishing at the bottom of the table in Group E and two points behind a knockout qualification spot.
For a side that had progressed beyond the group stages in eight of their last ten participations, that in itself should tell you how underwhelming they turned out to be. The goal is simple this time around: perform at the highest level and reach the knockout stages, the finals to be precise, which will be the third time achieving such a feat.
Final Verdict
Nigeria and Tunisia are the favorites in Group C, boasting superior quality at their disposal. The former has collected three AFCON trophies, and the latter just one.
This leaves the remaining two nations, Tanzania and Uganda, as underdogs expected to suffer elimination in the group stage and not make it to the knockout stages.
Despite this, an upset shouldn't be ruled out. Discipline and defensive organization are key to achieving such a feat. Mistakes here would be punished, and they are well aware of that.
