Tanzania entered the African Cup of Nations with aspirations of securing their first victory in 44 years, but those dreams were shattered when a resilient 10-man Zambia managed a late 1-1 draw in San-Pedro on Sunday. Simon Msuva had given Tanzania an early lead with a goal after 11 minutes, only for Zambia to equalize on the 88th minute through Patson Daka, overcoming the first-half red card received by their captain, Roderick Kabwe.
The day had seen another 1-1 draw between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving all four teams in Group F with a chance to qualify for the knockout stage. As the final group matches approached in the Ivory Coast on Wednesday, Morocco led with four points, followed by DR Congo and Zambia with two each, and Tanzania with one.
Tanzania’s hopes were guided by caretaker coach Hemed Suleiman, stepping in after Adel Amrouche’s suspension and subsequent dismissal by the Tanzanian Football Federation due to his ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Amrouche’s eight-match suspension resulted from his controversial TV interview, where he accused Moroccan officials of influencing match officials and kick-off times.
Both Tanzania and Zambia made three changes to their line-ups after disappointing performances in their group opener, where Morocco had emerged as the surprise 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.
Zambia, despite being favorites against the lower-ranked Tanzania, found themselves trailing early on. The Chipolopolo conceded possession in their half, leading to a swift counter-attack that allowed Msuva to score, amplifying Zambia’s struggle in the tournament.
Tanzania’s woes were compounded when Kabwe received a second yellow card just before half-time for elbowing Tanzania’s captain, Mbwana Samatta. The dismissal stirred controversy, with Kabwe protesting vehemently and the Zambian coach, Avram Grant, also receiving a yellow card.
Zambia’s Patson Daka, a notable figure having played in the Premier League with Leicester City, posed a constant threat. His powerful near-post header from a corner in the 88th minute secured the equalizer, denying Tanzania their long-awaited victory and leaving Zambia in contention for advancement.
Despite the disappointment, both teams, along with Morocco and DR Congo, headed into the final group matches with varying prospects, setting the stage for a tense conclusion to Group F in the African Cup of Nations.
