Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz continued his remarkable scoring run at the Africa Cup of Nations, netting the decisive goal as Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat on Sunday to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Diaz, who found the net in all three group matches, struck again in the 64th minute to create a piece of national history, becoming the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON matches.
The goal crowned a dominant display by the Atlas Lions, who missed several clear chances but still extended their unbeaten run across competitive and friendly matches to 23. Morocco’s last defeat came against South Africa at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
The hosts will now face either South Africa or Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Friday, with the two sides scheduled to meet later on Sunday at another Rabat venue.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi provided the assist for the winning goal, marking his first start of the tournament after earlier substitute appearances, including in the win over Zambia. The 2025 African Player of the Year had only recently returned from a serious ankle injury sustained in a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich two months ago.
Morocco were without midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who arrived at the stadium on crutches and wearing a medical boot, with Bilal El Khannouss drafted into midfield as his replacement.
Despite Morocco’s overwhelming advantage in rankings, home support of nearly 70,000 fans, and tournament pedigree, Tanzania nearly shocked the hosts early on when Saimon Msuva failed to connect properly with a low cross in the third minute.
The home side thought they had taken the lead after 15 minutes when Ismael Saibari headed in a free-kick, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check. Morocco continued to apply pressure through Ayoub El Kaabi and Diaz, but the first half ended without a goal.
After the break, Morocco intensified their attacks, hitting the crossbar through Hakimi before finally breaking the deadlock. Hakimi picked out Diaz inside the box, and the forward made no mistake with a sharp angled finish at the near post, a goal that ultimately proved enough to seal progression.
What you should know
Brahim Diaz’s goal not only sent Morocco into the AFCON quarter-finals but also etched his name into the country’s football history.
The win highlighted Morocco’s growing consistency on the continental stage, extending a long unbeaten run and reinforcing their status as title contenders. Despite missing key players through injury, the Atlas Lions showed depth, resilience, and control, even after squandering multiple chances.
With home support firmly behind them and Diaz in prolific form, Morocco will approach the quarter-finals with confidence as they await a tough test against either South Africa or Cameroon.
