Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat on Sunday, as Brahim Diaz’s second-half strike proved decisive.
The breakthrough came after a patient but testing evening for the hosts, who dominated possession but found clear chances hard to come by against a well-organized Tanzanian side determined to extend their historic run at the tournament.
Morocco, captained by Achraf Hakimi for the first time at this edition, controlled the opening exchanges but struggled to turn territorial dominance into goals. Tanzania threatened on a rare break when a hard cross flashed toward the far post without a finish, but the report said the visitors largely struggled to play out under Morocco’s waves of attacks.
The home side thought they had made the breakthrough midway through the first half when Ismail Saibari finished from close range in the 24th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for offside. It was a moment that underlined Morocco’s frustration as the first period ended goalless.
Walid Regragui’s side emerged with greater urgency after the restart. Brahim Diaz was immediately involved, forcing a corner with a glancing header, before Bilal El Khannouss fired narrowly over the crossbar in the 52nd minute as Morocco began to turn the screw.
Tanzania, however, almost stunned the hosts against the run of play. Feisal Toto found himself unmarked inside the box in the 56th minute but sent his effort high over the bar, squandering what would have been a remarkable opener.
Roared on by a capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Morocco finally found the decisive moment just past the hour mark.
Diaz produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 63rd minute, cutting in and finishing from a tight angle to beat the goalkeeper and ignite celebrations in the stands.
The goal was Diaz’s fourth of the tournament, taking him clear at the top of the scoring charts and once again underlining his importance to Morocco’s title ambitions.
Despite continued pressure and several half-chances, the hosts were unable to add to their lead. Tanzania remained competitive until the final whistle but could not find a way back as Morocco held firm to secure progression.
With the win, Morocco advance to the quarter-finals, where they will meet Cameroon, the winner of the match against South Africa in the Round of 16 played in Rabat.