Brahim Diaz Goal Secures Morocco Win as Atlas Lions Overcome Tanzania in AFCON 2025 Round of 16

Morocco shocked Tanzania in their Round of 16 clash at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, January 4.

Morocco, having historically dominated this fixture, has won seven of their eight total meetings, including a convincing 3-0 victory in their most recent encounter during the 2023 AFCON group stage.

The Atlas Lions topped Group A with seven points, powered by an efficient attack led by Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz, who have both netted three goals.

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Tanzania, meanwhile, secured their historic progression as one of the best third-placed teams after showing immense grit to earn draws against Tunisia and Uganda.

Both Morocco and Tanzania were fully aware of what was at stake as the match got underway, with the Atlas Lions asserting early pressure and repeatedly testing Tanzania’s defensive resolve.

Achraf Hakimi, making his first start of the tournament, was eager to make an impact and delivered an early corner that failed to trouble the Taifa Stars’ back line.

Morocco came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute, but Tanzania remained alert and defended resolutely, managing to clear their lines even after a loose rebound.

Six minutes later, Achraf Hakimi was brought down just outside the penalty area, earning Morocco a free kick in a promising position, though the delivery was well dealt with by the Tanzanian defence.

Tanzania responded moments later when Fei Toto was fouled in a similarly dangerous area, presenting the Taifa Stars with a golden opportunity to take the lead. However, Morocco stood firm, blocking the initial effort and swiftly snuffing out the follow-up attempts.

In the 36th minute, Morocco created a clear opening, but Brahim Díaz dragged his effort wide, and Ayoub El Kaabi followed shortly after with another chance that also failed to find the target.

As half-time approached, Tanzania briefly threatened to snatch the lead, prompting a swift Moroccan counterattack that came to nothing.

Morocco also tried their luck from a late set piece, but the move failed to produce a breakthrough before the interval. Fei Toto received a yellow card for a reckless challenge just before halftime.

In the 49th minute, Morocco came close to taking the lead with a powerful strike that was expertly saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper, resulting in a corner.

However, the set piece was poorly executed, falling straight into the keeper’s hands. Another chance followed a minute later, but the shot went wide.

Morocco continued to press, and in the 54th minute, Achraf Hakimi delivered a precise ball to Ayoub El Kaabi, whose header went just off target.

Tanzania responded immediately, first seeing a shot saved by the Moroccan keeper, then missing with a follow-up effort that went wide.

A dangerous free kick from just outside the box soon followed, but Hakimi’s attempt rattled the crossbar, denying Morocco an early breakthrough.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute when Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz struck decisively to put Morocco ahead. Tanzania earned a free kick in the 69th minute from a similar position, but their effort sailed wide, and repeated attempts were thwarted by Morocco’s resilient defence.

In a bid to seal the win, Morocco made three substitutions, while the referee issued warnings to two Tanzanian players for reckless challenges on the Atlas Lions.

In the dying minutees of the game, Taifa Stars put in the work with the hope of finding