CHAN 2024: No Majirani Derby as Tanzania Join Kenya on the Sidelines After Morocco Loss

Tanzania’s CHAN 2024 run ends in Dar es Salaam, dashing hopes of a historic Majirani Derby clash with Kenya

Tanzania’s journey at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a painful conclusion on Friday night, as they fell 1-0 to Morocco in a pulsating quarter-final clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Taifa Stars pushed the two-time champions to the limit, but ultimately bowed out after conceding a decisive second-half strike.

The opening stanza saw Tanzania match the heavily favored Atlas Lions stride for stride. Driven on by their supporters the hosts played with urgency and belief.

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Clement Mzize, their standout forward throughout the tournament, twice came close to breaking the deadlock.

First, just after the half-hour mark, Mzize attempted an acrobatic volley that flew narrowly off target. Moments before the break, he was presented with a golden opportunity, racing through one-on-one against Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar.

But the Raja Athletic Club shot-stopper stood tall saving comfortably to deny Tanzania what could have been a vital lead.

Despite Morocco shading possession the Taifa Stars’ pressing unsettled the North Africans, and the first half ended with both sides deadlocked.

The tension inside the stadium was palpable, with fans sensing their team was more than capable of delivering a historic upset.

The second half began with Morocco pushing forward and they looked set to break through when Oussama Lamlioui found himself clear on goal in the 50th minute.

However, Yakoub Suleiman, Tanzania’s inspired goalkeeper, produced a stunning save outside the box to thwart the striker. Lamlioui was handed another chance moments later, but Suleiman again came out on top, diving bravely to parry his effort.

The Taifa Stars’ shot-stopper then denied a powerful header from a set piece just two minutes later, cementing his reputation as one of the standout performers of the tournament. Each save drew roars from the home crowd, keeping Tanzania’s hopes alive even as Morocco began to dominate proceedings.

Ultimately, Suleiman’s resistance was broken in the 65th minute. Morocco’s Youssef Belammari surged into the box before squaring a precise ball across goal.

This time, Lamlioui could not be denied, tapping home from close range to net his third goal of the tournament — a strike that could prove pivotal in the race for the Golden Boot.

The goal shifted the game’s momentum. Morocco, drawing on their experience and tactical discipline, slowed the tempo and limited Tanzania to half-chances.

Mzize and substitute Nassor Saadun both threatened late on, but the Atlas Lions’ defense, led by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm.