Morocco Advances to Afcon Quarter-Finals with Victory Over Tanzania

Morocco Advances to Afcon Quarter-Finals with Victory Over Tanzania

Morocco Advances to Afcon Quarter-Finals with Victory Over Tanzania

Returning captain Achraf Hakimi played a pivotal role in helping host nation Morocco secure their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), defeating a resilient Tanzania team in Rabat.

Hakimi, who started his first match in over two months following an ankle injury, assisted Brahim Diaz, who scored the decisive goal by firing past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post midway through the second half. This victory propels the Atlas Lions into a quarter-final clash against either South Africa or Cameroon on Friday at 19:00 GMT.

Diaz's goal marked a significant achievement as he became the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive matches at the Afcon finals, having also been the leading scorer during the qualifiers with seven goals.

Hakimi nearly extended the lead with a powerful free-kick that struck the crossbar, as Morocco intensified their attack in the second half. Masalanga made impressive saves, including one from Abde Ezzalzouli’s close-range header, while Ayoub El Kaabi narrowly missed with a glanced header from Hakimi's cross.

Tanzania had their best opportunity shortly before Diaz's goal, with Feisal Salum lifting the rebound over the bar after Atlas Lions goalkeeper Yassine Bounou failed to hold onto Mohamed Hussein's curling shot from distance.

Morocco will learn their quarter-final opponent later on Sunday when South Africa faces Cameroon at 19:00 GMT.

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