Uganda and Tanzania are teaming up with Kenya to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Right now, they're watching the current tournament in Morocco to see how much they still need to improve.

These East African teams haven't been top contenders, and both might get knocked out early in Tuesday's group matches.

Uganda will play Nigeria, and Tanzania will go up against Tunisia. Both teams likely need to win to get into the last 16.

Since their final appearance in 1978, Uganda has won only one out of nine games across three AFCON tournaments. Tanzania is playing in only their fourth Cup of Nations and hasn't ever won.

The teams tied 1-1 in Rabat on Saturday. Uganda scored to tie and then missed a late penalty.

Tanzania's coach, Miguel Angel Gamondi, told AFP, I told the players we're the fourth-weakest team in the Africa Cup of Nations, but we've played two games really well.

Gamondi, who is from Argentina, just took the job right before the tournament, coming from the Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars.

Tanzania is ranked 112th by FIFA and 27th in Africa, despite having a population of over 70 million, which is the fourth-largest in Africa. They started their AFCON run with a close loss to Nigeria.

- ‘Change the mentality’ -

Gamondi said, My goal is to change how they think, show them they can compete, and instil a winning attitude. If we're at 112 now, I hope we'll be under 100 soon.”

There were encouraging signs in World Cup qualifying, with Tanzania finishing third in their group, but Gamondi knows they need to get better.

Gamondi added, One of the problems in Tanzania is that clubs can have 12 foreign players. He said that's why Young Africans and Simba, both big teams from Dar es Salaam, are among the best on the continent.

The fields aren't in great shape either. But for me, the biggest issue is that we're not developing young players.

“Tanzania needs to produce good players who can go to Europe, play, and get better. In our local league, they don't get enough competition, so players can't grow.”

Tanzania's star player is Ally Samatta, a striker who used to play for Aston Villa and is now in France. Most of their AFCON team plays in their home country, and some play in the fourth and fifth tiers of English football.

Uganda is ranked higher, at 17th in Africa and 85th in the world, but its team also lacks experience at the top level.

Uganda’s coach, Paul Put from Belgium, said, We have a very young team, and I need to build a team for 2027, so I’m letting them get more experience.

“We need to be ready with good players for 2027.”

At least they're getting experience. Kenya, ranked 113th, hasn't made it to the last three AFCON tournaments.

Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put is backing Allan Okello after his penalty miss against Tanzania in the AFCON 2025 qualifier. The game could have been a win.

After the tough 1-1 draw against Tanzania on Saturday, Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put is standing by Allan Okello, who missed a late penalty.

Despite the disappointing end to the rain-soaked match at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, the coach said the team is making progress and staying positive. They were denied a win, which was tough.

We made chances, played well, and were in control, Put said. Things didn't go well; that’s how it is. We could have won. It’s hard, but I've told the guys not to get down on themselves.

Put made five changes after the loss to Tunisia, and it seemed to help. Bobosi Byaruhanga and Baba Alhassan made the midfield stronger, while Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Kassim Mato, and Allan Okello gave striker Jude Ssemugabi some backup up front.

It was an exciting East African match.

Denis Onyango, the goalie, was back as captain for the first time in six years, which seemed to help calm things down. Uganda was in charge for most of the game and had some solid chances.

But Tanzania scored first when Baba Alhassan was called for a handball in the box in the 57th minute. Saimon Msuva nailed the penalty, putting Tanzania ahead.

Uganda kept pushing for a goal as the rain picked up. They finally got it in the 81st minute when Denis Omedi crossed the ball to Karl Uche Ikpeazu, who headed it in to even the score.

Then, late in the game, Uganda got a penalty when James Bogere was fouled. Allan Okello took the shot but missed, and Tanzania got away with a draw.

After the match, Put defended Okello, even comparing him to a legend.

Even Messi misses penalties. He’s human, the coach said. He stepped up. He missed; it happens. Maybe he'll score next game, and we'll all be happy. That’s how it goes.

Put said the team will look at the game and try to improve their scoring before their last important match.

In the other Group C game, Nigeria beat Tunisia 3-2. This means the fight for the second spot will be close.

Uganda will play Nigeria in their last game, while Tunisia will play Tanzania. Both games are on Wednesday, December 31, at 7:00 PM EAT.