A moment of class from Brahim Diaz was enough to send Morocco into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the Atlas Lions edged Tanzania 1-0 on Sunday evening.
The Round of 16 encounter at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah began with Tanzania showing early intent, pressing high and playing without fear despite their underdog status.
Morocco gradually took control and thought they had taken the lead in the 15th minute when Ismael Saibari powered home a header, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.
The disallowed goal stalled the hosts’ momentum, and despite dominating possession, Morocco went into the break frustrated at 0-0.
After the restart, Walid Regragui’s side returned with greater urgency, pinning Tanzania deep in their own half. Achraf Hakimi came agonisingly close just after the hour mark, his thunderous free-kick crashing against the crossbar.
The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes later. Hakimi slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Brahim Diaz, who danced past his marker and rifled a clinical finish into the near post, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
That strike proved decisive as Morocco saw out the game to book their place in the last eight.
The goal also saw Diaz make history, becoming the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON matches, underlining his growing influence at the tournament.
