The energy inside Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, January 4, 2026, was nothing short of electric as nearly 70,000 fans packed the stands, eager to witness Morocco’s latest bid for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory. The Atlas Lions, carrying both the weight of home expectations and a remarkable 23-match unbeaten streak, did not disappoint, edging past a spirited Tanzania side 1-0 to clinch a quarterfinal berth. The story of the night? Brahim Díaz, Morocco’s rising star, whose 64th-minute goal not only sealed the win but also etched his name into the history books.
Morocco entered the match as heavy favorites—a status earned by their 101-place advantage over Tanzania in the FIFA World Rankings, home-field advantage, and a squad brimming with top-tier talent. Yet, the game’s early moments suggested anything but a one-sided affair. In just the third minute, Tanzania’s Selemani Abdala sent in a teasing cross that found Simon Msuva unmarked at the back post. Msuva, perhaps surprised by the opportunity, could only watch as his off-balance header drifted wide, letting Morocco off the hook and sending a ripple of nervous energy through the home crowd.
Morocco responded with their own attacking intent. Neil El Aynaoui fired over from distance in the 10th minute, and Ismael Saibari’s close-range header was ruled offside after he met Abde Ezzalzouli’s well-placed free kick. Ayoub El Kaabi, a standout performer throughout the tournament, narrowly missed with a diving header late in the first half. Despite dominating possession and creating the lion’s share of chances, Morocco’s finishing touch remained elusive, and the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
One of the evening’s biggest storylines was the return of captain Achraf Hakimi to the starting lineup. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, making his first start in two months after recovering from a serious ankle injury, provided a much-needed boost on the right flank. His presence was felt not just in defense but also in attack, as he repeatedly surged forward and even rattled the crossbar with a thunderous free kick just after the hour mark. According to multiple reports, Hakimi’s comeback was a welcome sight for Morocco, with the crowd roaring approval every time he touched the ball.
However, Morocco were forced to cope without influential midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who was seen entering the stadium on crutches with his foot in a protective boot after an injury in training. Bilal El Khannouss stepped in to fill the void, and while he sent a hopeful shot over the bar early in the second half, the midfield lacked some of the invention and dynamism Ounahi usually provides. The team’s resilience, though, remained undiminished.
Tanzania, for their part, refused to play the role of passive underdogs. The Taifa Stars, starting with seven home-based players and still searching for their first-ever AFCON win, pressed forward whenever possible. Their best chance of the second half came in the 57th minute, when Mohamed Husseini’s shot was parried by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into the path of Abdala, who squared for Feisal Salum. With the goal gaping, Salum blazed over, a miss that would prove costly just moments later.
It was then, in the 64th minute, that the match’s decisive moment arrived. Hakimi, showcasing the footwork and vision that have made him a continental star, danced past his marker on the right flank before threading a pass to Díaz. The Real Madrid forward still had work to do, but he darted past Ibrahim Hamad and unleashed a low, angled shot that caught Tanzania’s Hussein Masalanga off guard at his near post. The stadium erupted as Díaz celebrated with his teammates, raising Ounahi’s No. 8 jersey in a touching tribute to the injured midfielder.
Díaz’s goal was not just a match-winner—it was historic. With four goals in as many games, he became the first Moroccan to score in four consecutive AFCON matches, a feat that has propelled him to the front of the Player of the Tournament conversation. "Brahim Díaz has quickly emerged as Morocco's star player," noted AP, and his performance on Sunday only solidified that reputation. His relentless form has been a driving force behind Morocco’s unbeaten run, which now stretches to 23 matches across all competitions.
After the goal, Morocco continued to press, with Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi both coming close to doubling the lead. Tanzania, sensing time slipping away, introduced veteran striker Mbwana Samatta in a bid to force an equalizer. The Taifa Stars threw men forward, but Morocco’s defense—anchored by the returning Hakimi—held firm. Late penalty shouts for a push on substitute Iddi Alli were waved away by the officials, and the final whistle brought relief and jubilation for the home side.
Head coach Walid Regragui, while pleased with the result, will be aware that his team’s performance left room for improvement. Díaz, who was substituted in the 84th minute after appearing to pick up a knock, will be closely monitored ahead of the quarterfinal. The absence of Ounahi was keenly felt, and Morocco’s midfield will need to find new solutions as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, Morocco’s next challenge looms large: a quarterfinal showdown against Cameroon, who edged South Africa 2-1 in a dramatic contest later that evening. Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane propelled the Indomitable Lions into the last eight, setting up a much-anticipated clash with the hosts on Friday, January 9, 2026. The stakes are enormous—not only is a place in the semifinals on the line, but Morocco is also chasing its first continental title in 50 years, and the pressure is mounting with each passing round.
For now, though, Morocco’s AFCON dream remains very much alive. With Díaz in record-breaking form, Hakimi back to full fitness, and the passionate Rabat faithful behind them, the Atlas Lions have every reason to believe that this could finally be their year. The city will be buzzing all week as anticipation builds for Friday’s blockbuster quarterfinal. One thing’s for sure: if Morocco can maintain their momentum and composure, the road to the final may just run straight through Rabat.
