"Uganda and Tanzania are gearing up for a decisive East African derby at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, as both teams seek their first win of the tournament following opening-round defeats to Tunisia and Nigeria, respectively. With Group C's qualification for the round of 16 at stake, the fixture has been described by both camps as a turning point in their AFCON campaign. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Rabat on Friday, Uganda head coach Paul Put said his side must manage pressure and approach the derby with full focus. "If you want to go forward, this will be the most important game of the tournament," Put said, adding, "The mindset will be very important for tomorrow’s match." Uganda midfielder Allan Okello acknowledged the team’s slow start but insisted the players understand what is required to stay in contention. "We really didn’t start the tournament the way we wanted," he said, adding that the squad’s goal remains progressing beyond the group stage. Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi also underlined the importance of mentality and tactical discipline, describing the encounter as a closely balanced derby between two similar sides. "The character, the temperament and the tactical shape will decide the game," he said, noting that neither team holds a clear advantage in terms of player quality. Tanzania forward Simon Msuva touched on additional pressure after the team's defeat in the opening match. "For this game, we cannot lose," he said, adding, "All the players want this game, and we know Uganda has quality." History leans on Uganda's side with 33 wins after 61 ties, while Tanzania only claimed 12. The high-stakes clash will be played on Saturday at Rabat’s 18,000-seat El Medina Stadium. The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is hosted in Morocco, featuring 24 teams, and runs from December 21 to January 18. "