Morocco 1-0 Tanzania: Report, result and goals as hosts book quarter-final spot

Morocco edged into the AFCON quarter-finals after beating Tanzania with a narrow 1-0. It required a second-half strike from Brahim Diaz to secure the win after a frustrating opening period.

Morocco controlled possession for long spells but struggled to turn their dominance into clear chances before the break.

An early goal from Ismael Saibari was ruled out following a VAR review for offside, setting the tone for a half in which the hosts found it difficult to break down a compact Tanzanian defence.

Ayoub El Kaabi and Diaz both went close with headers and efforts inside the box, while Tanzania offered occasional threat on the counter, most notably through Simon Msuva, whose early header drifted wide.

Despite Morocco’s territorial advantage and several set-piece opportunities, the sides went in level at half-time.

Diaz provides the breakthrough

The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark. Achraf Hakimi drove forward from right-back and slipped a pass into Diaz, who finished from a tight angle on the right to find the bottom corner and put Morocco ahead.

Tanzania responded with greater urgency, forcing Yassine Bounou into a save from Mohamed Husseini and winning a series of free-kicks in advanced areas.

However, Morocco managed the closing stages effectively, slowing the tempo and making a series of substitutions to protect their lead.

The final minutes were fragmented by fouls, stoppages, and yellow cards as Tanzania pushed for an equaliser.

Morocco held firm through seven minutes of added time, seeing out the match to claim a hard-fought victory.