AFCON: Morocco finally breaks through to defeat stubborn Tanzania

Brahim Díaz provided the breakthrough for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco as the Atlas Lions advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania on Sunday in Rabat.

The Real Madrid attacker danced around a Taifa Stars defender in the penalty area before firing a shot through goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga. The match-winning goal came after a long spell of resistance from the East African underdogs who put in a strong defensive performance.

After sneaking into the Round of 16 as one of the best ranked third place teams, expectations were low for Tanzania against the high-powered attack of the hosts. But surprisingly, Morocco struggled to find a goal in a mostly uneventful first half. Ismael Saibari appeared to head the Atlas Lions ahead but was ruled offsides before Ayoub El Kaabi’s diving header went wide close to halftime.

The dominance of the North Africans continued into the second half with captain Achraf Hakimi, making his first start of the tournament, creating plenty of danger down the right flank. But the best chance of the opening hour fell to the Taifa Stars when a long range shot was spilled to Feisal Salum, who squandered a brilliant opportunity by firing off target with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in a difficult position.

Soon after, the hosts made their opponents pay. Shortly after Hakimi rattled the crossbar with a free kick, Díaz provided another moment of brilliance for his tournament-leading fourth goal.

Tanzania made multiple substitutions to spark a weak attack, including the introduction of legend and captain Mbwana Samatta, but lacked the firepower to threaten the Atlas Lions. It was not a satisfying victory for the hosts and their supporters but coach Walid Regragui’s charges will continue their mission as tournament favorites.

Next up for the hosts is a quarterfinal clash on Friday at the same venue against the winner of Sunday’s later match between South Africa and Cameroon.