By Simon Asare
Accra, Jan. 4, GNA – Brahim Diaz struck in the 64th minute to send hosts Morocco into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Tanzania on Sunday.
It was the fourth goal for the Real Madrid star who has been exceptional for the Atlas Lions as they remain unbeaten in the competition.
Tanzania had an early chance when Simon Msuva headed wide in the opening minutes, while Morocco saw a Ismael Saibari header ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review.
Ayoub El Kaabi missed a close-range header in the 37th minute as Morocco dominated possession but failed to break down Tanzania’s disciplined defence in the first half.
Goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga kept Tanzania in the game with a superb save to deny Saibari, and midfielder Fei Toto almost stunned the hosts with a shot over the bar in the 56th minute.
Achraf Hakimi rattled the crossbar on the hour mark before Diaz scored for the fourth successive time in the tournament, finishing calmly to break the deadlock.
Tanzania pressed for an equaliser in a nervy finale, but Morocco held firm to secure their place in the last eight.
Morocco would face the winner of the clash between South Africa and Cameroon in the other Round of 16 encounter.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade