Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Tanzania with a 1–0 victory on Sunday, January 4, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz scored the decisive goal to keep the host nation’s hopes of continental glory alive.
The opening exchanges saw Morocco dominate possession, and they thought they had taken the lead in the 15th minute, but Ismael Saibari’s header was ruled out for offside
Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi later missed good opportunities as the first half ended goalless.
Both sides showed greater urgency after the break.
El Kaabi headed wide from close range after meeting Achraf Hakimi’s cross, while Tanzania responded through Feisal Salum, who fired over the crossbar after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou parried Mohamed Hussein’s powerful shot.
The breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute when Diaz struck from a tight angle, his effort slipping beneath Tanzania goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga.
The goal, Diaz’s fourth of the tournament, proved enough to settle the contest as Morocco held firm to secure progression.
Tanzania were competing in their first-ever knockout match at the Africa Cup of Nations and bowed out despite a spirited performance.
Morocco will now turn their attention to a quarter-final clash against five-time champions Cameroon on Friday, January 9, as their dream of lifting the continental title for the second time in fifty years remains alive.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
