Uganda Cranes’ AFCON 2025 clash with Tanzania in Morocco was a gripping East African derby played under extreme conditions.
As the two sides fought for control, a sudden hailstorm swept across the stadium, pelting the pitch and players.
Despite the icy downpour, the match continued without interruption, with neither team allowing the weather to break their focus.
In the stands, the fans stood their ground, singing, waving flags, and pushing their teams forward as rain and hail poured down. Their energy mirrored the intensity on the pitch, turning the contest into a true test of resilience.
At full time, the match ended one all, a result that reflected a hard-fought battle defined as much by determination as by football.
This pictorial captures the moments that shaped the night — from the fierce duels on the pitch to the defiant supporters and the dramatic Moroccan weather.
Match day ballCaptain Denis Onyango leads the players out of the dug outToby Sibbick out to the field of playUganda players sing the national anthemFlag boys with the Uganda national flagUganda XI Credit: John BatanuddeMatch day referees from MoroccoUganda Cranes team manager Geofrey MassaTanzania XIUganda Cranes XITeam captains and the referees pose for a photoBobosi Byaruhanga closes down Feisal AbdallahFans with the Uganda flagAllan Okelloo with a drive away from Khalid IddiTeenager James Bogere in actionTackles flew during the derbyDenis Omedi crosses the ballHaji Mnoga rests his hands on the legsTanzanians look on after conceding the equalizerTanzania skipper Nondo in actionTanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi clears the ball as James Bogere closes onUchechukwu Karl Ikpeazu against two Tanzanian playersInsides Al Medina stadiumOkello reacts after a missed penaltyTanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi celebratesAllan Okello shoots the ballNovatus Miroshi and Alphonce Msanga shield the ball away from Baba AlhassanRogers Kassim Mato shields the ball away from Haji MnogaTravis Mutyaba being tackledAllan Okello being tackledA section of Uganda Cranes fans in the stands
