Diaz Delivers as Morocco Grind Past Tanzania to Reach Afcon Quarter-Finals
Morocco have booked their place in the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations, but it was far from a comfortable night for the hosts as they edged past a stubborn Tanzania side with a narrow 1-0 win in Rabat. On paper, this looked like a game Morocco were expected to control, and for long spells they did, but the tension inside the stadium told a very different story as the match wore on.
From the opening whistle, Morocco were seen dominating possession, patiently moving the ball and trying to stretch Tanzania’s compact defensive shape. Chances were created, but they were not taken, and that hesitation allowed Tanzania to grow in belief. The visitors may not have had as much of the ball, but when opportunities came their way, they were dangerous. Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum both had clear chances in the first half, and it could easily have been Tanzania celebrating had those moments been finished with more composure.
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- Brahim Diaz Sends Morocco Marching On as Hosts Edge Past Tanzania
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the second half, and once again it was Brahim DÃaz who stepped up. In the 64th minute, captain Achraf Hakimi played a clever pass into DÃaz on the right side of the box. Most people inside the stadium were expecting a cross, but instead, the Real Madrid playmaker cut sharply towards the byline and fired a powerful shot from a tight angle. The ball squeezed past the Tanzanian goalkeeper and into the net, and the sense of relief around Rabat was impossible to miss.
Even after taking the lead, Morocco were not able to relax. Several more chances were wasted, and Tanzania continued to push, sensing that one goal could change everything. A few late challenges flew in, tempers rose, and the final minutes were played in a tense, almost chaotic atmosphere. Morocco’s defence held firm, and when the final whistle was blown, the job had been done, even if the performance was not entirely convincing.
This was not a vintage display from the tournament hosts, and it is clear they are yet to hit top gear. Still, progress was secured, and in knockout football, that is all that truly matters. DÃaz’s goal proved decisive once again, underlining his growing importance in this Moroccan side. Now into the quarter-finals, Morocco will face the winner of the clash between South Africa and Cameroon, knowing tougher tests are still to come if their Afcon dream is to continue.
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