Host nation Morocco have booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, but only after surviving a significant scare against a resilient Tanzania side in Rabat. A solitary, second-half strike from Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz proved the difference in a tense 1-0 victory that sets up a last-eight clash with either South Africa or Cameroon.
A Night of Frustration and Missed Chances
Despite dominating possession for large periods, Walid Regragui's side struggled to break down a well-organised Tanzanian defence and were often their own worst enemy in front of goal. The Atlas Lions had the ball in the net early through Ismael Saibari, but his header was correctly ruled out for offside. Striker Ayoub El Kaabi then spurned two further opportunities as the home crowd's anxiety grew.
Tanzania, who qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, created the clearer openings. Simon Msuva wasted a glorious early chance, heading wide with an open goal at his mercy. Their best opportunity arrived on 55 minutes when Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou parried a long-range effort, only for Feisal Salum to blaze the rebound over the bar from close range.
Díaz Delivers the Decisive Moment
The breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute, courtesy of a moment of individual quality. Captain Achraf Hakimi found Brahim Díaz on the right flank, and the in-form forward drove towards the byline. When a cross seemed the obvious option, Díaz instead unleashed a powerful, angled drive that beat the goalkeeper at his near post for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Morocco had chances to extend their lead, with Hakimi himself crashing a free-kick against the woodwork, but the single goal ultimately sufficed. "The competition is hotting up and we faced our toughest opponent in this Tanzania team," Díaz, now the tournament's leading scorer, said afterwards. "Not everything worked, we know that, but fortunately we managed to secure our qualification."
Quarter-Final Awaits as Hosts Seek Improvement
The victory sees Morocco advance, yet their performance will raise questions about their credentials as tournament favourites. They have yet to produce a fluid, dominant display at Afcon 2025 but have shown the resilience to grind out results.
Their attention now turns to a formidable quarter-final opponent. They will face the winner of Sunday's clash between South Africa and Cameroon, a match pitting two continental heavyweights. Bafana-Bafana finished second behind Egypt in Group B, while Cameroon were unbeaten in Group F but pipped to top spot by Côte d'Ivoire on goals scored.
For Tanzania, their historic run to the knockout stages ends in brave defeat. Having failed to win a group game, they pushed the hosts and tournament favourites to the limit, exiting with their heads held high after a disciplined and threatening display.
