Rabat, Morocco – Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz continued his impressive form at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the decisive goal in Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Tanzania on Sunday. The win secured Morocco’s place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, extending their unbeaten streak to 23 matches in all competitions. The match, played at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, saw Diaz become the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON games.
The round of 16 clash took place on January 4, 2026, with a strong home advantage for Morocco, boasting a vocal crowd of nearly 70,000 supporters. Morocco, ranked significantly higher than Tanzania in the FIFA world rankings, entered the match as clear favorites. The victory sets up a quarter-final encounter against either South Africa or Cameroon, scheduled for Friday.
Brahim Diaz Leads Morocco to Quarter-Finals
Diaz’s 64th-minute goal, assisted by Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, proved to be the difference in a match where Morocco dominated possession but struggled to convert numerous scoring opportunities. Hakimi, making his first start of the tournament, played a crucial role in setting up the winning goal after recovering from a recent ankle injury sustained while playing for PSG. His return to the starting lineup provided a significant boost to the Moroccan attack.
Morocco’s Unbeaten Run and Tournament Form
Morocco’s 23-match unbeaten run highlights their consistent performance under coach Walid Regragui. Their last defeat came against South Africa at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, a result they will be keen to avenge should they face them in the next round. This current form has established them as one of the strong contenders for the title.
However, the victory wasn’t without its concerns for Morocco. Key midfielder Azzedine Ounahi was forced to watch the match from the sidelines, arriving at the stadium on crutches and wearing a medical boot. Bilal El Khannouss stepped into Ounahi’s role in midfield, providing a different dynamic to the team’s play.
Tanzania, despite the loss, showed resilience and defensive organization throughout the match. They managed to frustrate Morocco’s attacking efforts for large periods, but ultimately couldn’t withstand the pressure. The team’s participation in the tournament represents a step forward for football development in Tanzania, according to analysts.
The match also showcased the growing talent within the Moroccan squad, with several players demonstrating their potential on the continental stage. The team’s blend of experienced players like Hakimi and emerging stars like Diaz is proving to be a potent combination. This synergy is a key factor in their success at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, the other quarter-final matchup will be determined later on Sunday as South Africa and Cameroon face off in Rabat. The outcome of that match will determine Morocco’s opponent in the next stage of the tournament. The competition for the AFCON title is intensifying as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, Morocco will be closely monitoring the fitness of Ounahi as they prepare for their quarter-final clash. His potential return would provide a significant boost to the team’s midfield options. The draw for the semi-finals and final will depend on the results of the remaining quarter-final matches, adding another layer of anticipation to the tournament. The next few days will be crucial as teams strategize and prepare for the challenges ahead in the football tournament.
The quarter-final match against either South Africa or Cameroon is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026. The exact kickoff time will be announced following the conclusion of the South Africa-Cameroon match. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Morocco can maintain their winning momentum and advance further in the competition.
