By VICTOR OKOYE (NAN)

Hosts Morocco and debutant knockout qualifiers Tanzania clash in a compelling Round of 16 duel at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The match holds on Sunday at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 6 p.m. (Nigerian time) amid huge home support.

It is a meeting weighted heavily by history, confidence and ambition, as Morocco seek redemption while Tanzania chase an unprecedented breakthrough.

This is only the second AFCON meeting between both sides, following Morocco’s emphatic 3-0 group-stage victory at the 2023 edition.

Morocco dominated that encounter, topping the group, while Tanzania finished bottom, extending a trend of North African supremacy.

Overall, the teams have met eight times across competitions, with Morocco winning seven, scoring in all matches and keeping five clean sheets.

Tanzania’s lone victory came in a 2014 World Cup qualifier in Dar es Salaam, inspired by Mbwana Samatta and Thomas Ulimwengu.

Since then, Morocco have reasserted control, winning the last five meetings and shutting Tanzania out in four straight games.

Their rivalry has also spanned AFCON, World Cup and CHAN qualifiers, with Morocco winning the most recent encounters convincingly.

At the 2024 African Nations Championship, Morocco edged co-hosts Tanzania 1-0 en route to lifting the title.

For Tanzania, this match represents only their fifth AFCON encounter against North African opposition, still seeking a first victory.

They have conceded in all four previous such matches but showed resilience with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in the group stage.

That result secured Tanzania’s first-ever qualification to the AFCON knockout rounds, achieved with just two points.

It is the lowest tally by a team advancing since best third-placed teams were introduced in 2019.

Yet, the Taifa Stars arrive unbeaten in four of their last five AFCON matches, losing only to Nigeria.

They have scored in all three group games, equalling a feat last achieved at their maiden AFCON appearance in 1980.

All three goals came shortly after halftime, underlining Tanzania’s growing belief and tactical discipline.

Feisal Salum made history by becoming the first domestically based Tanzanian player to score at AFCON since 1980.

Morocco, meanwhile, carry both pedigree and pressure as they make a fourth Round of 16 appearance.

They have progressed beyond this stage only once, coming from behind to defeat Malawi in 2021.

Recent memories are painful, having exited at this stage in 2019 and 2023, conceding first in all cases.

The Atlas Lions have also lost their last two knockout matches, against Egypt in 2021 and South Africa in 2023.

Defensive fragility has haunted them, conceding in each of their last five knockout fixtures.

Their last clean sheet in AFCON knockout football dates back to a 4-0 semi-final win over Mali in 2004.

However, Morocco’s attacking numbers at the current edition inspire optimism among fans.

Brahim Diaz has scored in all three matches, equalling a national record set by Ahmed Faras.

Diaz could become the first Moroccan to score in four consecutive AFCON matches.

Alongside Ayoub El Kaabi, he leads Morocco’s scoring chart, with both netting three goals.

Either forward scoring again would set a new Moroccan record for goals at a single AFCON edition.

Morocco have attempted more passes than any other team, underlining their control-oriented approach.

They have also recorded 20 shots on target, though conversion efficiency remains an area for improvement.

Tanzania, by contrast, have relied on efficiency, scoring three times from 15 shots on target.

They have remained compact, conceding possession but staying competitive against stronger opponents.

As hosts, Morocco are clear favourites, yet AFCON history warns against complacency at the knockout stage.

For Tanzania, belief, discipline and timing offer hope of extending a fairytale run.

For Morocco, only progression will satisfy expectations on home soil.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui says his players understand the weight of expectation but remain focused on execution.

“We respect Tanzania greatly; they earned their place here and have shown resilience and organisation,” he said.

“At this stage, history means nothing. What matters is intensity, concentration and efficiency on the day.”

He added that Morocco must correct past knockout mistakes and start matches stronger.

“We have conceded first before. This time, we want to impose ourselves early and control the tempo,” he said.

Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi, on his part, says his team have embraced the challenge of facing hosts Morocco with confidence and humility.

“This is a historic moment for Tanzanian football, and we are here to compete, not to admire,” he said.

He praised his players’ mentality and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.

“We have shown character and belief. Against Morocco, we must be brave, organised and clinical,” he added.

Gamondi said the pressure lay firmly with the hosts, giving Tanzania freedom to express themselves.

“Morocco have quality, but football is decided on the pitch. We will fight for our dream,” he said. (NAN)