Morocco beats Tanzania to reach AFCON quarterfinals

Hosts Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a gritty 1–0 victory over a disciplined Tanzania side in Sunday’s Round of 16 clash.

Brahim Díaz’s second-half finish proved decisive in a match that tested the patience of the Atlas Lions, who enjoyed the bulk of possession but struggled to break down a well-organised Tanzanian defence.

Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Morocco controlled proceedings from the outset yet found clear chances hard to come by. An early effort from Ismael Saibari was ruled out for offside after a VAR check, while Tanzania showed occasional attacking intent, with Simon Msuva heading wide in the opening exchanges.

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Tanzania’s resistance was finally broken in the 64th minute when Achraf Hakimi supplied a pinpoint delivery that Díaz converted confidently from a narrow angle. The goal lifted Morocco, who pushed for a second, but the Tanzanian backline, with goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga in outstanding form, continued to repel the pressure.

Late in the game, Tanzania threw players forward in search of an equaliser, forcing Morocco to defend deep. Despite a flurry of fouls, stoppages and a physical battle in midfield, the hosts held their nerve to see out the contest.

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The win sends Morocco into the quarter-finals, where sterner opposition awaits, while Tanzania exit the tournament with heads held high after a brave and resilient performance against the hosts.

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