Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania on Sunday, thanks to a decisive strike from Brahim Diaz.
The Real Madrid winger continued his remarkable form, scoring in each of Morocco’s group matches and now becoming the first Moroccan player to net in four consecutive AFCON games. His 64th-minute finish at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat sealed the win, extending Morocco’s unbeaten run to 23 matches.
Diaz celebrated by holding up the shirt of injured teammate Azzedine Ounahi, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury. He later dedicated the victory to Ounahi, who arrived at the stadium on crutches.
Match Highlights
- Morocco dominated but wasted several chances before Diaz’s breakthrough.
- Achraf Hakimi, the African Player of the Year, made his first start after recovering from injury and set up the winning goal.
- Tanzania, making their first knockout-stage appearance, fought valiantly but remain winless in 13 AFCON matches.
Coach Walid Regragui admitted Morocco only found rhythm in the second half but insisted his side “hands down deserved to go through.” Tanzania’s coach Miguel Angel Gamondi praised his players, saying they proved the gap between the two nations “is not as big as people think.”
Cameroon Awaits
Morocco will now face Cameroon in Friday’s quarter-final. The Indomitable Lions edged South Africa 2-1 in Rabat, with goals from Junior Tchamadeu and teenage forward Christian Kofane. Despite a late strike from Evidence Makgopa, Cameroon held on to secure victory.
Coach David Pagou, who only took charge days before the tournament, said his team needs rest before focusing on Morocco:
South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title, expressed disappointment but urged Bafana Bafana to regroup ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
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