Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat on Sunday, as Brahim Diaz’s second-half strike proved decisive.

The breakthrough came after a patient but testing evening for the hosts, who dominated possession but found clear chances hard to come by against a well-organised Tanzanian side determined to extend their historic run at the tournament.

Morocco, captained by Achraf Hakimi for the first time at this edition, controlled the opening exchanges but struggled to turn territorial dominance into goals. Tanzania sat deep, closed spaces efficiently and repeatedly denied the Atlas Lions room to operate in the final third.

The home side thought they had made the breakthrough midway through the first half when Ismail Saibari finished from close range in the 24th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for offside. It was a moment that underlined Morocco’s frustration as the first period ended goalless.

Walid Regragui’s side emerged with greater urgency after the restart. Brahim Diaz was immediately involved, forcing a corner with a glancing header, before Bilal El Khannouss fired narrowly over the crossbar in the 52nd minute as Morocco began to turn the screw.

Tanzania, however, almost stunned the hosts against the run of play. Feisal Toto found himself unmarked inside the box in the 56th minute but sent his effort high over the bar, squandering what would have been a remarkable opener.

Roared on by a capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Morocco finally found the decisive moment just past the hour mark.

Diaz produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 63rd minute, cutting in and finishing from a tight angle to beat the goalkeeper and ignite celebrations in the stands.

The goal was Diaz’s fourth of the tournament, taking him clear at the top of the scoring charts and once again underlining his importance to Morocco’s title ambitions.

Despite continued pressure and several half-chances, the hosts were unable to add to their lead. Tanzania remained competitive until the final whistle, but could not find a way back as Morocco held firm to secure progression.

With the win, Morocco advance to the quarter-finals, where they will meet the winner of the Round of 16 clash between South Africa and Cameroon at the Stade Al Madina in Rabat.

REACTIONS

Brahim Diaz – TotalEnergies Man of the Match:

“The competition is growing in intensity and we have just faced our toughest opposition so far against this Tanzanian team. Not everything worked, we know that, but fortunately we managed to secure our qualification. Now we will go back to work to be fully ready for the quarter-finals.”

Miguel Ángel Gamondi – Tanzania head coach:

“I am so proud of what my team produced. So proud of my players, both in their attitude and tactically. They showed that the gap between Morocco and us is not as big as people think. We will come back stronger, I am convinced of that.”

Walid Regragui – Morocco head coach:

“We knew it was not going to be easy, judging by the matches we saw yesterday, even if we thought it might be more straightforward. The first half was not good, but I recognised my team much more in the second half. The most important thing is qualification. As for Azzedine Ounahi, he picked up an injury in training and is out of the Africa Cup of Nations. We are losing an exceptional player and a leader in our dressing room, but we will continue to fight for him.” (CAFonline)

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