Diaz Delivers as Morocco Edge Tanzania to Reach AFCON Quarter-Finals
- Brahim Diaz proved the difference in Rabat as Morocco squeezed past a stubborn Tanzania side to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Morocco stayed on course for Africa Cup of Nations glory after a tense 1-0 win over Tanzania in their Round of 16 clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
The Atlas Lions dominated possession from the opening whistle but found Tanzania well drilled and difficult to break down. The Taifa Stars defended in numbers, pressed aggressively in midfield and even threatened sporadically on the counter, keeping Morocco alert throughout a cagey first half.
Morocco thought they had taken an early lead when Ismael Saibari found the net, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for offside. That decision summed up a frustrating opening period for the hosts, who went into the break still locked at 0-0 despite enjoying the bulk of the ball.
The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark. Achraf Hakimi surged forward down the right and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Brahim Diaz, who showed composure and precision to fire a low right footed effort into the bottom corner from a tight angle in the 64th minute.
Tanzania refused to roll over after conceding and pushed higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser. Mbwana Samatta and Feisal Salum both had sights of goal, but Yassine Bounou remained assured between the posts, dealing comfortably with the few clear openings that came his way.
Morocco responded by tightening up defensively, controlling the tempo and seeing out the closing stages with maturity. Late fouls and stoppages broke the rhythm of the game, but Walid Regragui’s side held firm to protect their slender advantage until the final whistle.
The victory sends Morocco into the quarter-finals, where expectations continue to rise for one of the tournament favourites. Tanzania exit with heads held high after a disciplined and courageous display against vastly superior opposition on paper.
