Morocco beat Tanzania 1–0 to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals
Brahim Diaz once again delivered when Morocco needed him most, scoring the decisive goal as the tournament hosts edged past Tanzania to reach the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Atlas Lions dominated possession and territory in their Round of 16 tie in Rabat, but were made to work hard by a disciplined Tanzania side before finally breaking through in the 64th minute.
Diaz struck from a tight angle after being picked out by returning captain Achraf Hakimi, sending the home crowd into celebration and confirming Morocco’s place in the last eight, where they will face five-time champions Cameroon on Friday.
Diaz continues historic AFCON run
Starting his first match in over two months following an ankle injury, Hakimi played a pivotal role in Morocco’s progression. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back surged forward and slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Diaz, who lashed the ball past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post.
The goal extended Diaz’s remarkable tournament form, making him the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive matches at the AFCON finals. The Real Madrid playmaker had also been Morocco’s top scorer during qualification, netting seven times on their road to the tournament.
Morocco Pressure, Tanzania Resist
Morocco were firmly in control for long spells but found Tanzania well organised and difficult to break down. Hakimi rattled the crossbar with a fierce free-kick early in the second half, while Masalanga produced fine saves to deny Abde Ezzalzouli’s close-range header and Ayoub El Kaabi.
Ismael Saibari had earlier seen a header ruled out for offside following a VAR review, while El Kaabi narrowly missed connecting with another dangerous Hakimi delivery.
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Despite being ranked 101 places below Morocco in the FIFA rankings, Tanzania showed little fear. Feisal Salum came closest for the Taifa Stars just before the decisive goal, lifting a rebound over the bar after Yassine Bounou spilled a long-range effort from Mohamed Hussein.
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Tanzania pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages and appealed for a penalty deep into stoppage time when substitute Iddy Nado went down inside the box under pressure from Adam Masina. The referee waved away the claims, and Morocco held on to secure a narrow but deserved victory.
Hosts eye long-awaited glory
Morocco are chasing their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976 and remain one of the favourites on home soil. Progressing to the quarter-finals also moves them a step closer to their first semi-final appearance since 2004, when current head coach Walid Regragui featured as a player in the final loss to Tunisia.
Hakimi’s full 90-minute outing will also encourage Moroccan supporters, with the defender growing stronger after his recent return from injury.
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Although Tanzania’s winless run at AFCON finals now stretches to 13 matches dating back to their debut in 1980, their disciplined display earned respect. The Taifa Stars, who progressed from the group stage with just two points, continue to build experience ahead of co-hosting the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda.
AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Line-up so far
Morocco’s victory completes the quarter-final picture at AFCON 2025, with several heavyweight clashes ahead:
Quarter-finals
- Senegal vs Mali
- Morocco vs Cameroon
Remaining Round of 16 Fixtures
- Egypt vs Benin
- Nigeria vs Mozambique
- Algeria vs DR Congo
- Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
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