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Host nation Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania, moving a step closer to a first continental title in 50 years.
The Atlas Lions thought they had taken an early lead after 15 minutes when Ismael Saibari headed home from a teasing left-wing delivery.
However, celebrations inside the stadium were cut short as the assistant referee flagged for offside, turning roars of delight into loud protests from the home supporters.
Morocco dominated possession from the opening whistle but found it surprisingly difficult to break down a resilient and disciplined Taifa Stars side.
Despite their control of the game, Walid Regragui’s men struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances.
Late in the first half, Brahim Díaz fired over from the edge of the box, while Ayoub El Kaabi narrowly missed the target with a diving header.
Quarter-finals | Spot 3. 🇲🇦
Morocco advance to the next round of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Af0zXOvbgk
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 4, 2026
It was telling that Morocco went into the break without registering a single shot on target—credit to Tanzania’s well-organised defensive structure and the astute tactical setup of head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi.
Morocco emerged after the interval with renewed intensity and nearly found the breakthrough five minutes into the second half when Hussein Masalanga produced a fine save to deny Abde Ezzalzouli’s close-range header.
The hosts were almost punished for their profligacy moments later when Feisal Salum was presented with a golden opportunity to give Tanzania a shock lead, only to blaze his effort over the bar when composure was required.
The match remained frantic, and on the hour mark, Morocco struck the woodwork from a free-kick delivered by Achraf Hakimi.
With tension rising among the home crowd, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 64th minute, as Brahim Díaz beat Masalanga at his near post, maintaining his record of scoring in every game for Morocco at this tournament.
The goal significantly eased the pressure on the Atlas Lions, who expertly managed the closing stages despite a noticeable drop in tempo to seal their place in the last eight.
Morocco will now face either Cameroon or South Africa in the quarter-finals on Friday, while Tanzania bow out with their heads held high, having progressed beyond the AFCON group stage for the first time in their history.
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