Brahim Diaz’s historic strike gives Morocco victory over Tanzania to reach quarter-finals
Brahim Diaz etched his name into African football history on Sunday evening as his solitary goal sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Morocco over Tanzania, sending the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Round of 16 encounter at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah began with Tanzania showing no signs of inferiority. Despite entering the clash as underdogs, the Taifa Stars started brightly, pressing high and competing aggressively in the early exchanges.
Morocco gradually grew into the game and began to assert their dominance. In the 15th minute, Ismael Saibari thought he had opened the scoring with a powerful header, but celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside.
The disallowed goal seemed to unsettle the Atlas Lions momentarily, and despite controlling possession for long spells, they were unable to break down a resolute Tanzanian defence before halftime, with the teams heading into the break goalless.
After the restart, Morocco returned with renewed intensity, pinning Tanzania deep in their own half as they searched for a breakthrough. Achraf Hakimi came agonisingly close on the hour mark when his curling free-kick rattled the crossbar.
The decisive moment arrived just four minutes later. Hakimi turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass to Brahim Diaz. The Real Madrid forward displayed superb footwork to beat his marker before drilling a low shot into the near post, leaving the Tanzanian goalkeeper with no chance.
That moment of brilliance proved decisive, as Morocco held firm to secure a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory and book their place in the quarter-finals.
Diaz’s match-winning strike was also a historic one, making him the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON matches—a remarkable achievement that further underlines his growing influence on the continental stage.
