Diaz Strike Sends Morocco Into Afcon Quarter Finals as Hosts Overcome Tanzania

Hosts Morocco booked their place in the quarter finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard fought victory over a determined Tanzania side in Rabat, with Brahim Diaz scoring the decisive goal to settle a tense contest. The win keeps Moroccan hopes alive in front of home supporters and sets up a high profile last eight clash with Cameroon.

The key moment came midway through the second half when returning captain Achraf Hakimi provided the telling contribution. Making his first appearance in more than two months after recovering from an ankle injury, the Paris Saint Germain right back showed his importance with a sharp forward run and a perfectly weighted pass. Diaz timed his movement well and drove a low effort past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post, sparking celebrations inside the stadium.

For Morocco, the goal was a reward for patience rather than dominance. Tanzania defended deep and with discipline, frustrating the hosts for long periods and limiting clear chances. The Atlas Lions enjoyed the majority of possession but found it difficult to break through a compact defensive block, with Tanzania closing spaces quickly and committing numbers behind the ball.

Diaz, who has increasingly become a key attacking outlet for Morocco, remained composed despite the pressure. His finish was not spectacular, but it was clinical, and in tournament football that proved enough. The goal also underlined the value of Hakimi’s return, with his energy and attacking threat providing a different dimension to Morocco’s play.

Tanzania deserve credit for their resilience. They rarely threatened Morocco’s goal but stayed organised and disciplined, forcing the hosts to work hard for every opening. Masalanga made several solid saves and his defence limited Morocco to half chances for much of the match. Even after conceding, Tanzania pushed forward in search of an equaliser, though clear opportunities remained scarce.

Morocco managed the closing stages with maturity, slowing the tempo and protecting their narrow lead. The home crowd played its part, urging the team on and creating an atmosphere that reflected the growing belief that this could be Morocco’s tournament. After previous near misses on the continental stage, expectations are high that playing on home soil could finally deliver success.

The victory sends Morocco into the quarter finals where they will face Cameroon, one of the most decorated sides in African football. The matchup promises to be a stern test, combining Morocco’s technical quality and tactical organisation against Cameroon’s physical presence and tournament experience.

For coach and players alike, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation. Hakimi’s successful return is a major boost, while Diaz’s growing influence offers encouragement as the competition intensifies. Morocco know tougher challenges lie ahead, but this win demonstrated their ability to stay composed under pressure and find solutions when space is limited.

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations progresses, Morocco remain firmly in contention. With home advantage, a settled squad and key players returning to fitness at the right time, the Atlas Lions will believe they have every chance of going deep into the tournament and possibly lifting the trophy in Rabat.