Morocco advances to AFCON quarterfinals as Díaz delivers winner against Tanzania
RABAT, Morocco — The host nation kept its march toward the Africa Cup of nations title alive with a 1-0 win over Tanzania, as Brahim Díaz scored the decisive goal to send Morocco into the quarterfinals. The victory preserves Morocco’s pursuit of continental glory on home soil during the AFCON 2026 campaign.
Díaz, quickly emerging as the tournament’s breakout star for the hosts, struck in the 64th minute, finding the near post past tanzania goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga after a move that caught the defence flat-footed. The strike marked Díaz’s fourth in four appearances, prompting celebrations around Rabat’s nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Morocco will play all its matches while it stays alive in the knockout rounds.
The atlas Lions dominated possession but were largely frustrated by a disciplined Tanzanian defense, which held firm for long stretches before Díaz finally broke through.
Morocco will face the winner of the South africa-Cameroon clash, which was scheduled for later Sunday at the smaller El Barid stadium in Rabat.
Captain Achraf Hakimi returned to action in the starting XI after an ankle injury and played the full match.Ayoub el Kaabi forced a header narrowly wide from Hakimi’s 55th-minute cross, while Tanzania’s best moment came when Mohamed Hussein’s shot on target was followed by Fei Toto’s rebound over the bar.
Hakimi also tested the crossbar with a free kick before the hour mark and was involved again in the setup that produced Díaz’s winner.
Senegal and Mali had already secured their places in the quarterfinals on Saturday, advancing alongside Morocco in a day of progress for Africa’s football powerhouses.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Morocco 1-0 Tanzania |
| Event | Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage (Round of 16) |
| Venue | Prince moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat |
| Goal | Brahim Díaz, 64′ |
| Attendance cue | Near 70,000 |
| Next opponent | Winner of South Africa vs Cameroon |
| Key figures | Hakimi (captain, started), Díaz (scorer), el Kaabi (wide miss) |
As the tournament advances, Díaz’s red-hot form remains a focal point for Morocco’s title hopes, while Hakimi’s return to match fitness adds a crucial edge to a squad that already looks hazardous going forward.
Two reader questions: 1) Who will Morocco meet in the quarterfinals—South Africa or Cameroon? 2) Can Díaz sustain this scoring run as the host nation presses toward the final?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below as Morocco presses toward the trophy.
Did Brahim Díaz score the winning goal that sent Morocco into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter‑finals?
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