Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi returned from a two-month injury layoff to play a pivotal role as the Atlas Lions secured a hard-fought victory over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Rabat. Hakimi’s assist set up Brahim Diaz’s decisive goal, sending host nation Morocco through to the quarter-finals where they will face five-time champions Cameroon.

Hakimi Returns to Lead Morocco

Starting his first match since sustaining an ankle injury, Paris Saint-Germain right-back Hakimi demonstrated his attacking quality and leadership. In the 67th minute, Hakimi delivered a perfectly timed pass to Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, who fired the ball past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post. Diaz’s strike marked a historic milestone, as he became the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive Afcon finals matches. Diaz had also been the tournament’s top scorer in the qualifying rounds with seven goals.

Hakimi was a constant threat throughout the second half. He rattled the crossbar with a thunderous free-kick and repeatedly tested Tanzania’s goalkeeper Masalanga, while teammates Abde Ezzalzouli and Ayoub El Kaabi came close to extending Morocco’s lead with well-placed attempts.

Tanzania’s Resilient Performance

Despite the eventual defeat, Tanzania, ranked 112th in the world, put up a stubborn fight against a superior Moroccan side, ranked 11th globally. Feisal Salum came closest for the Taifa Stars, lifting a rebound over the bar after Bounou failed to control Mohamed Hussein’s long-range curling effort.

Tanzania also appealed for a late penalty in stoppage time when Iddy Nado went down under contact from Adam Masina, but the referee dismissed the claims.

Morocco vs Tanzania: Match Overview

The contest proved tougher than their 3-0 victory over the same opponents at the 2023 Afcon. Coach Walid Regragui instructed his team to increase intensity after a tight first half, and the strategy paid off with Diaz’s goal. Hakimi’s performance, completing the full match, marks a strong return from injury and boosts Morocco’s chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Tanzania made a few notable tactical changes, including giving 19-year-old Selemani Mwalimu a starting debut in place of captain Mbwana Samatta. Mwalimu’s early forays created opportunities, but Morocco’s defense and Bounou’s goalkeeping held firm.

Looking Ahead: Quarter-Finals Against Cameroon

With the win, Morocco now face Cameroon in the Afcon quarter-finals on Friday at 19:00 GMT, after the Indomitable Lions defeated South Africa 2-1 in Sunday’s late game. For Morocco, this victory represents another step toward their first Afcon semi-final since 2004, when Regragui was part of the Moroccan squad that lost in the final to Tunisia.

Tanzania’s Afcon Journey

Tanzania’s loss extends their winless streak at the Afcon finals to 13 games, dating back to their debut in 1980. However, the experience gained will be invaluable as the Taifa Stars prepare to co-host the 2027 Afcon alongside Kenya and Uganda.

---

Key Takeaways

• Achraf Hakimi played his first full match since an ankle injury, providing a crucial assist.
• Brahim Diaz became the first Moroccan to score in four consecutive Afcon finals matches.
• Morocco advance to face Cameroon in the quarter-finals.
• Tanzania continue their Afcon struggle but gain experience ahead of co-hosting in 2027.