AFCON: Diaz fires Morocco into quarter-finals with win over Tanzania

Brahim Díaz continued his impressive 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations debut as Morocco defeated Tanzania 1-0 to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 AFCON.

The Real Madrid midfielder struck the decisive goal in the 64th minute, finishing calmly at the near post after being set up by returning captain Achraf Hakimi at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.

Hakimi, who was making his first start in over two months following an ankle injury, played a key role as the Atlas Lions upped the tempo in the second half after a goalless opening 45 minutes.

Díaz’s strike means he has now scored in all four of Morocco’s matches at his first AFCON, becoming the first Moroccan player to achieve the feat at the tournament. He was also the team’s top scorer during qualification with seven goals.

Morocco dominated large spells after the break, with Hakimi rattling the crossbar from a free-kick, while Tanzania goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga produced fine saves to deny Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi.

Tanzania came close to snatching an equaliser shortly before Díaz’s goal when Feisal Salum fired over the bar after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou spilled a long-range effort.

The Taifa Stars also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty deep into stoppage time after substitute Iddy Nado went down in the box under pressure from Adam Masina.

Despite spirited resistance from the East Africans, Morocco held on to seal victory and will now face either South Africa or Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Speaking after the match, Diaz said: “The competition is growing in intensity, and we have just faced our toughest opposition so far. Not everything worked, we know that, but fortunately, we managed to secure our qualification. Now, we will go back to work to be fully ready for the quarter-finals.”

For Tanzania head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi, his players gave their all as he praised their discipline and belief against one of Africa’s heavyweights.

“I am so proud of what my team produced, both in their attitude and tactically,” Gamondi said. “They showed that the gap between Morocco and us is not as big as people think. We will come back stronger, and I am convinced of that.”

Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui also spoke after the match.

He said: “The first half was not good, but I recognised my team much more in the second half. The most important thing is qualification.”

Regragui also confirmed that midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after picking up an injury in training.

“We are losing an exceptional player and a leader in our dressing room,” he added. “But we will continue to fight for him.”