Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has expressed solidarity with Uganda following Tanzania’s elimination by Morocco from the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.

In a brief statement shared on his Facebook account on August 22, 2025, Kindiki noted that Tanzania, Kenya’s co-host in the championship, had bowed out of the competition, leaving Uganda as the remaining co-host still in the contest.

“With our Jirani and co-host Tanzania out, our prayers are with our remaining ndugu and third co-host Uganda, tomorrow…” the Deputy President wrote.

Hopeful Uganda

The Group C leaders, Uganda, will be facing off against Senegal in their quarter-final clash at the Mandela National Stadium on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 3 pm.

This is the first time Uganda Cranes have reached the knockout stage of the CHAN tournament.

“Tomorrow will be a very tough game, but we are prepared. It’s a special match for us because we are playing at home and want to bring joy to our fans,” Morley Byekwaso said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

“This is not a friendly — it’s a knockout game where we must show character and discipline. Senegal is experienced; they’ve been champions for the last two years, but with our fans behind us, we believe we can achieve victory,” he added, as quoted by CAF.

Tanzania eliminated

Kindiki’s message came shortly after Morocco defeated Tanzania 1-0 in a tense quarter-final match played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Friday night.

The closely contested encounter saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock in the opening hour, with scoring opportunities coming few and far between.

Tanzania, buoyed by a passionate fan base, home ground advantage, and a strong tournament performance, matched Morocco in intensity, registering 11 shots compared to their opponents’ nine, though only two of theirs were on target.

The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute when Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui struck to score the only goal of the match. His goal shifted the momentum, forcing Tanzania to chase the game for the remainder of the contest.

Despite their efforts, including late substitutions and a surge in attacking play, the Taifa Stars could not breach Morocco’s disciplined defence.

By the final whistle, Morocco had successfully managed the game to secure victory.

Kenya bows out

Earlier that same day, Kenya’s run in the 2025 African Nations Championship also came to a sudden halt at the Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani, where they lost 4-3 on penalties to Madagascar in the quarter-finals.

Making their debut in the tournament, Harambee Stars initially seemed poised for a historic semi-final berth after Alphonce Omija’s powerful header gave them the lead shortly after the break.

However, moments later, a goal by striker Ryan Ogam was disallowed for a foul during the buildup. Madagascar equalised in the 68th minute when Fenohasina Razafimanana converted a penalty after a foul in the box, sending the match into extra time.

With neither side able to score during extra time, the game was decided by penalties, where Madagascar held their nerve to win 4-3.