Achraf Hakimi’s comeback provided the spark Morocco needed as the hosts edged past a resolute Tanzania side in Rabat to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back, starting his first match in over two months after an ankle layoff, delivered the decisive assist for Brahim Díaz, whose fierce finish beat goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post and sent the Atlas Lions into the last eight.
Díaz makes history with a clinical strike
Díaz’s winner was more than a match-winner; it was a landmark.
The Real Madrid playmaker became the first Moroccan to score in four consecutive Afcon finals matches, underlining his tournament form after topping qualifying with seven goals.
His strike, midway through the second half, arrived after a wave of Moroccan pressure and finally broke down a stubborn Taifa Stars defence.
Hakimi’s influence felt across the pitch
Hakimi’s afternoon was a statement of intent.
He rattled the crossbar with a thunderous free-kick and repeatedly threatened down the right, his deliveries creating several near-misses — Abde Ezzalzouli saw a close-range header superbly saved, and Ayoub El Kaabi glanced a cross narrowly wide.
Completing the full 90 minutes will be a huge boost for Hakimi as he continues his recovery and rebuilds match sharpness.
Tanzania’s grit and controversy
Tanzania, ranked well below Morocco, refused to be overawed.
The Taifa Stars carved out chances; Feisal Salum forced a rebound over the bar after Bounou failed to hold a curling Mohamed Hussein effort; and even pressed for a late penalty when substitute Iddy Nado went down under contact from Adam Masina, an appeal that was waved away.
Despite a 13-game winless run at Afcon finals, Tanzania leave with valuable experience ahead of co-hosting duties in 2027.
Tactical shifts and turning points
The match was tighter than the 3-0 scoreline from their 2023 meeting suggested it would be. Morocco’s early opener was chalked off for offside, and a frantic moment saw Masalanga collide with El Kaabi in a desperate attempt to intercept a cross.
Coach Walid Regragui demanded intensity at the break, and his side answered: sustained pressure culminated in Díaz’s fierce finish that squirmed through the keeper’s gloves.
Next stop Cameroon
Morocco’s reward is a quarter-final showdown with five-time champions Cameroon on Friday. For Regragui and his squad, the victory is another step toward a first Afcon crown since 1976 and a chance to reach a first semi-final since 2004, when Regragui himself was part of the side that fell in the final.
Tanzania, meanwhile, depart with lessons learned and a growing belief as they prepare to co-host the next tournament.
