Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a hard-fought victory over Tanzania, in a match that proved far tougher than many had anticipated. Once again, the decisive moment came from Brahim Díaz, whose solitary strike settled the contest.

Tanzania kept the tie finely balanced for more than an hour, defending with discipline and intelligence. Deploying a back three, they successfully denied the favourites space and rhythm, frustrating a Moroccan side that dominated possession but struggled to turn control into clear-cut chances. The absence of the injured Sofyan Amrabat was felt, with creativity in midfield at times lacking its usual sharpness.

The breakthrough finally arrived through the combined brilliance of two of Morocco’s standout stars — Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi. The right flank proved decisive throughout, and it was there that the game-winning moment was forged. Hakimi initiated the move, driving forward with intent, before Díaz collected the ball inside the penalty area.

Showing superb close control and composure, Brahim Díaz beat his marker in tight space and rifled a precise finish beyond goalkeeper Masalanga, sending Moroccan fans into celebration and finally breaking Tanzanian resistance — 1–0.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco - Tanzania 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Diaz Br., 64 (1:0)

Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi; Aguerd; Masina; Mazraoui (Salah-Eddine, 76); Diaz Br. (Targhalline, 86); Saibari (Ben Seghir, 77); Ezzalzouli; El Aynaoui; El Khannouss; El Kaabi (En Nesyri, 77)
Substitution: Salah-Eddine (from 76); Ben Seghir (from 77); En Nesyri (from 77); Targhalline (from 86)
Bench: Munir; Al Harrar; Chibi; El Yamiq; Ait Boudlal; Belammari Youssef; Amrabat S.; Akhomach; Rahimi S.; Talbi; Igamane
Yellow Cards: Saibari 69

Tanzania: Masalanga; Hamad; Job; Mwamnyeto; Hussein M-d (Allarakhia, 73); Mnoga (Kapombe, 72); Miroshi; Msanga (Nado, 83); Salum; Mwalimu (Samatta, 66); Msuva (M'Mombwa, 73)
Substitution: Samatta (from 66); Kapombe (from 72); M'Mombwa (from 73); Allarakhia (from 73); Nado (from 83)
Bench: Foba; Msindo; Kibabage; Nangu; Mwaikenda; Kagoma; Habibu; Nashon; Kibu; John Ke.
Yellow Cards: Hamad 13; Salum 45; Samatta 67; Msanga 78; Job 90