The Morocco national football team faced Tanzania in a pivotal World Cup 2026 qualifying match at the Stade d'Honneur in Oujda on March 25, 2025. The game, part of the sixth matchday of qualifying, kicked off at 22:30 and was a crucial opportunity for the Moroccan squad known as the Lions of the Atlas to strengthen their position at the top of Group E.
Under the guidance of coach Walid Regragui, Morocco entered the match holding the first position in their group with 12 points from five matches. A win against Tanzania would allow them to open a commanding lead over their closest rivals, who each held 6 points. Weighing heavily on the team's aspirations was the absence of star player Achraf Hakimi, suspended for yellow card accumulation; he watched the match from the stands alongside the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Faouzi Lekjaa.
In Hakimi's absence, Regragui opted for Noussair Mazraoui from Manchester United to fill the right-back position. The starting eleven also featured goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defenders El Yamiq, and Aguerd, midfielders Amrabat and El Khannouss, along with forwards Diaz, Ezzalzouli, and En-Nesyri.
As the first half unfolded, both teams struggled to convert possession into scoring chances. Although Morocco maintained over 80% of the ball, they failed to register a single shot on goal within the first 45 minutes. Amrabat attempted a powerful long-range shot but missed the target completely, displaying challenges in unlocking the Tanzanian defense, who appeared organized and resilient.
At halftime, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0, with Morocco feeling the pressure despite their dominant style of play. Coach Regragui's tactical adjustments were crucial in the second half as the team needed to secure the victory to satisfy their qualification ambitions.
The match's atmosphere intensified as the second half began, with Moroccan supporters rallying for their team to perform. Weighing on the team's performance was the ongoing uncertainty regarding the results of the Congo team, which had been suspended by FIFA, raising the stakes higher for Morocco. A suspension could jeopardize Morocco’s hard-earned 6-0 victory against Congo, which would diminish their points total.
Despite the setbacks, Moroccan players pushed forward for the win that would guarantee their nearly certain qualification for the World Cup. With each passing minute, the tension in the stadium increased as fans held their breath, hoping for a breakthrough. Morocco’s attacking strategy continued to put pressure on the Tanzanian defense, yet, as the match wore on, they still struggled to take meaningful shots.
As the minutes ticked away, it became clear that Morocco was not only facing a pressing challenge from Tanzania on the field but also overhead concerns about their position in the standings. The five-point gap seemed safe against their immediate challengers, yet football's unpredictability meant that the Lions of the Atlas had to avoid complacency.
Throughout the match, the combination of skilled players and Regragui's tactical decisions hinted at the prospect of significant victories and a confident stride toward potential World Cup glory. Morocco, buoyed by their recent successful run, was eager to ensure this opportunity for success against an increasingly vital Tanzania.
In the moments just before the final whistle, Morocco fought valiantly for a goal, with Ezzalzouli’s attempts to create scoring opportunities echoed by the enthusiastic crowds. A collective gasp arose as Morocco aimed for the net, only to be thwarted once again before they could secure what appeared a long-awaited victory.
The final whistle blew, and Morocco found themselves unable to convert their dominant possession into a win against an equally determined Tanzania, ending the match without a goal. The draw left fans disappointed, but the door to World Cup qualification remained slightly ajar for the Lions of the Atlas, who would need results to swing in their favor during upcoming matches.
Moving forward, Morocco’s qualification campaign is still possible. The National Football team has shown remarkable skill filling the shoes of key players like Hakimi, establishing the depth in their roster. Continuous support from fans and strategic responses from the coaching staff must remain at the forefront, especially as the upcoming matches against Niger and Zambia loom ahead.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Lions of the Atlas, knowing that while the road ahead is illuminated with challenges, their historic performance in the previous World Cups leaves no doubt about their fighting spirit and commitment to achieve a place in the spotlight at the housing of the upcoming World Cup 2026 hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
