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Ed Dove
RABAT — Morocco secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals on Sunday, triumphing over Tanzania with a 1-0 victory in Rabat, thanks to a stunning goal by Brahim Díaz, a star from Real Madrid, in the second half of a hard-fought match.
This victory fuels Morocco’s aspirations to secure their first continental title at home in 50 years.
Díaz, the standout player of the tournament thus far, maintained his streak of scoring in every match by netting the opener in the 64th minute, beating Tanzania’s goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post.
Despite still searching for their first win in the Nations Cup, Tanzania created significant opportunities in both halves, and a squad featuring seven locally-based players will lament the missed chances that could have turned the tide.
Ranked 101 places lower in the FIFA World Rankings, Tanzania boldly attacked from the first whistle and almost took an early lead, with Selemani Abdala driving down the right flank in the third minute. His pinpoint cross evaded Yacine Bounou and found Simon Msuva, who, perhaps caught off guard, headed wide from an unmarked position.
As the match progressed, Tanzania continued to press forward while Morocco gradually found their rhythm. Neil El Aynaoui fired a distant shot over the bar just ten minutes in, and moments later, Ismael Saibari saw a close-range header ruled out for offside after meeting a free-kick from Abde Ezzalzouli.
In the latter stages of the first half, Ayoub El Kaabi, one of the tournament’s standout players, headed wide from a promising cross, causing concern among the Moroccan supporters as their team struggled to break the deadlock.
Morocco’s performance lacked the vigor and intensity that characterized their earlier matches, despite the return of captain Achraf Hakimi, who made his first competitive start in two months. They struggled to fill the void left by midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, sidelined due to injury, who had been pivotal in bringing control and creativity to the team.
His substitute, Bilal El Khannouss, attempted a long-range shot that went over the bar in the 50th minute and shortly after, Masalanga saved an Ezzalzouli header with ease.
Tanzania found another opportunity in the 57th minute when a parried effort by Bounou fell to Abdala, who set up Feisal Salum, but he misfired with the goal at his mercy.
However, moments later, they would pay for their missed chances. Hakimi created a chance with some deft footwork on the right side before delivering a pass to Díaz.
Díaz displayed his skill as he escaped the challenge of Ibrahim Hamad and surged towards the goal, catching Masalanga by surprise with a shot that went in at the near post.
In celebration of their winning goal, Díaz and his teammates raised Ounahi’s No. 8 shirt, waving it to the home crowd, highlighting the seriousness of Ounahi’s injury.
As a precaution, Díaz was substituted in the 84th minute due to discomfort, which will concern head coach Walid Regragui, though he will know more is needed from his squad as they pursue the title.
Tanzania, realizing they should have capitalized on their opportunities, brought on veteran Mbwana Samatta as a substitute. However, they couldn’t apply enough pressure on the Atlas Lions late in the game, even as they appealed for a penalty for a push by Adam Masina on substitute Iddi Alli that was overlooked by the officials.
Morocco now advances to their third quarterfinal since reaching the final in 2004, with the next match scheduled to take place in Rabat on Friday.