Of all national teams worldwide, Uganda and Tanzania are each-other's most common opponents, the neighbours set to co-host the next Africa Cup of Nations together alongside Kenya.
Their most-recent encounters came in AFCON qualifying in 2023, both producing 1-0 away wins, as Tanzania qualified at Uganda's expense, ending up a solitary point ahead.
Uganda vs Tanzania preview
These two east African teams were always likely to be the outsiders in Group C, making this a key clash for both at Al Medina Stadium on Saturday. Tanzania were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria on Tuesday evening, with Charles M'Mombwa equalising just after half time in Fez, only for the Super Eagles to secure all three points mere moments later.
The Taifa Stars are making only their fourth Africa Cup of Nations appearance, still searching for a first win at the competition. After debuting in 1980, they returned in 2019, but lost all three matches, before holding both Zambia and DR Congo to draws last year, but were still eliminated. So, ahead of co-hosting the next Africa Cup of Nations, can Tanzania claim that illusive maiden victory?
As for Uganda, they too were beaten in their opener, swatted aside 3-1 by Tunisia, with Denis Omedi's goal deep into injury time in torrential rain at the Rabāṭ Olympic Stadium merely a consolation.
Like their neighbours, since reaching the AFCON final in 1978, the Cranes have qualiifed fo the tournament only three times. They failed to win a match in 2017 before defeating DR Congo in Cairo two years later, this enough to see them sneak into the round of 16, before being ousted by Senegal. Here, both sides will be targeting this fixture as by far their best opportunity to claim a victory, so who will be celebrating come Saturday evening at Al Medina Stadium?
Uganda vs Tanzania head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 63.
- Uganda Wins: 34. Draws: 16. Tanzania Wins: 13.
Uganda team news
Paul Put made a double substitution at half time against Tunisia, Jude Ssemugabi and Melvyn Lorenzen replaced by Travis Mutyaba and scorer Denis Omedi, so will the latter duo start this time?
Meantime, some familiar faces in the back-line for Scottish Premiership fans, namely Jordan Obita of Hibs as well as Burton's Toby Sibbick, once of Hearts, on the opposite side.
Uganda predicted lineup vs Tanzania: (4-5-1): Salim; Sibbick, Torach, Obita, Kayondo; Aucho, Semakula, Mutyaba, Mato, Omedi; Mukwala.
Uganda player to watch vs Tanzania
The aforementioned Denis Omedi scored his third goal for Uganda on Tuesday, having also netted against South Africa and South Sudan during qualifying, so will he be their danger man again?
Tanzania team news
Haji Mnoga came off the bench against Nigeria, becoming the first Salford City player to feature at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Tarryn Allarakhia of Rochdale started in attack.
Tuesday's scorer Charles M'Mombwa, who plays in Malta for Floriana, after a long career in the A-League, will be among the Taifa Stars' main danger men.
Tanzania predicted lineup vs Uganda: (4-5-1): Foba; Kapombe, Hamed, Mwamnyeto, Hussein; Msanga, Miroshi, Msuva, M'Mombwa, Allarakhia; Samatta.
Tanzania player to watch vs Uganda
Mbwana Ally Samatta is the only Tanzanian to ever play in the Premier League, scoring in the 2020 Carabao Cup Final at Wembley during his brief stint with Aston Villa. Now of Le Havre, the striker has 22 international goals to his name, including netting against Kenya at the 2019 Cup of Nations, so can he now score against the other 2027 AFCON co-host?
Uganda vs Tanzania prediction
This clash at Al Medina Stadium is unlikely to be a high-scoring, high-quality thriller, so we're forecasting a low-scoring draw in Ribāṭ that does not help either at all: Uganda 1-1 Tanzania.
Uganda vs Tanzania FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Uganda vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Uganda vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Uganda vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Uganda vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Uganda vs Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Uganda vs Tanzania takes place on Saturday 27 December 2025, with kick off at 17:30 (GMT), 12:30 (ET) & 9:30 (PT).