Morocco edged past a spirited Tanzania 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 tie in Rabat on Sunday, booking a quarter-final showdown with either South Africa or Cameroon.
In front of a fervent home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, the Atlas Lions dominated possession throughout but were frustrated by Tanzania’s organised defence in the first half, with a Morocco strike by Ismael Saibari ruled out for offside.
The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute when Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz cut inside from the right and fired a precise shot from a tight angle past Tanzanian goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga. It was Díaz’s fourth goal of the tournament and a club-record achievement, making him the first Moroccan to score in four consecutive AFCON matches.
Despite continued Moroccan pressure and late efforts from both sides, the scoreline remained unchanged as the hosts held firm to secure progression to the last eight. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, participating in only their first ever AFCON knockout fixture, showed resilience and carved out chances of their own, but lacked the clinical edge to level.
Captain Achraf Hakimi played a key creative role, providing the assist for Díaz’s decisive strike, and Morocco’s defence, marshalled by Nayef Aguerd, kept a clean sheet under sustained pressure.
The win extends Morocco’s unbeaten run and keeps alive their ambition of claiming continental glory on home soil. Quarter-final opponents will be determined later on Sunday in the South Africa vs Cameroon match.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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