All eyes are on Rabat as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group C draws to a dramatic close, with Tanzania and Tunisia set to clash at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on December 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT (11:00 ET/17:00 local time), marking the final act in a group stage brimming with tension, unpredictability, and high stakes. With Nigeria already through as group winners, the focus now shifts to which side will claim the coveted second spot—and whether Tanzania can conjure up a footballing miracle against a formidable Tunisian squad.
Tunisia, managed by Sami Trabelsi, enter the match as clear favorites, boasting a wealth of experience and a squad peppered with talent from top European leagues. Their recent form has been impressive: only two losses in their last eleven outings, with six wins and three draws. The Carthage Eagles have found the net five times in this group stage alone, including a convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda and a narrow but hard-fought 3-2 defeat to Nigeria. That loss, however, did little to dampen their progress, as they remain in pole position to advance. A draw or a win will see them safely into the next round.
On the other side, Tanzania’s journey has been an uphill battle. The Taifa Stars, under Argentine coach Miguel Angel Gamondi, have never won a match at the Africa Cup of Nations prior to 2025 and have only qualified for the tournament three times in their history. Their campaign so far has been marked by resilience, not least in a 1-1 draw with Uganda that kept their slim hopes alive. But make no mistake: Tanzania are relative minnows in this contest, ranked 112th in the FIFA world rankings, compared to Tunisia’s 41st.
Gamondi has shown tactical flexibility, switching from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-4-1 formation for the Uganda clash, a move that brought more balance to his side. Forwards Kelvin John and Simon Msuva are expected to lead the line again. John, a young and energetic attacker, is preferred over the more experienced Mbwana Samatta, while Msuva, who is joint-top scorer in Tanzanian history with 25 goals, remains a constant threat from the wing. The squad is free of injuries, allowing Gamondi to field his strongest eleven in this do-or-die encounter.
Tunisia, meanwhile, have a slight injury concern over midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who limped off during the loss to Nigeria. His availability is touch-and-go, but the squad’s depth means they’re well-equipped to cope. The attacking trio of Achouri, Mastouri, and Tounekti has been particularly effective, with Hazem Mastouri catching the eye. Mastouri, with four goals in just ten appearances in 2025, leads the betting markets as the most likely to score—offered at 6/4 to find the net at any time, and 7/2 to open the scoring.
Statistically, the odds are stacked against Tanzania. Bookmakers have Tunisia at 4/9 to win, with Tanzania a distant 15/2 and the draw at 3/1. The betting community is also backing Tunisia to win both halves, with a recent price boost making this outcome even more attractive for punters. For those looking at combination bets, Tunisia to score at least two goals and win five or more corners has become a popular choice, especially since the Carthage Eagles have hit those marks in both group games so far—scoring three against Uganda and racking up eight corners, and even in defeat to Nigeria, they managed six corners.
But football is never played on paper alone. This match is more than a numbers game; it’s a story of ambition, redemption, and national pride. For Tanzania, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win, coupled with a favorable result in the concurrent Nigeria vs. Uganda match, could see them through to the knockout stages—a feat that would be nothing short of historic. Yet, as FourFourTwo’s preview notes, "They’ve given little indication that they’re capable of it." Still, the magic of the Africa Cup of Nations is its ability to surprise, and Tanzania’s supporters will be hoping for just that.
This encounter also marks a first in the rivalry between these two nations: their previous meetings in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers were played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions. Now, with fans in the stands at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, the atmosphere promises to be electric. The crowd could play a crucial role, especially for Tanzania, who are desperate to break their AFCON duck and prove they belong on this stage.
For fans eager to catch the action, the match will be broadcast live and free in the UK on Channel 4 Sport’s YouTube channel—though geo-restrictions apply for viewers outside the UK. Those abroad can bypass these blocks using VPN services such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, as highlighted by both Mashable and FourFourTwo. In the United States, beIN Sports holds the TV rights, with streaming options available via YouTube TV, Fubo, or Sling. Across Africa, Watania 1, Canal+, and SuperSport will provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring fans on the continent won’t miss a beat.
Group C’s permutations are anything but straightforward. Nigeria top the group and are guaranteed a place in the next round. Uganda, with just a single point, must defeat Nigeria to keep their hopes alive. For Tunisia, a draw is enough, while Tanzania must win and hope Uganda do not, or else rely on goal difference if both underdogs pull off victories. It’s a mathematical tightrope, and every goal, every corner, could tip the balance.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the pressure is palpable. Tunisia, with their storied AFCON history—including a championship in 2004 and two runner-up finishes—know that anything less than progression would be a bitter disappointment. As one preview put it, "After failing to make it out of the group stage last time out after making it to the knock-outs in the previous four tournaments, the Carthage Eagles will surely be guarded against a surprise failure in Morocco."
For Tanzania, the opportunity to make history is tantalizingly close yet dauntingly distant. They’ll need to summon every ounce of belief, organization, and attacking flair to topple their highly favored opponents. The odds may be long, but in tournament football, hope springs eternal.
With everything on the line in Rabat, fans can expect a contest filled with passion, drama, and the kind of unpredictability that makes the Africa Cup of Nations so compelling. As the final whistle approaches, one thing is certain: both teams will leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of their AFCON dreams.
