The hero of the night? None other than Brahim Díaz, whose moment of magic finally broke a Tanzanian defense that looked impenetrable for over an hour.
A Night of Frustration for the Atlas Lions
From the first whistle, Morocco asserted their dominance, commandering over 70% of the possession. However, Tanzania, appearing in their first-ever AFCON knockout match, showcased a masterclass in "parking the bus."
Led by a resilient backline and inspired goalkeeping from Kwesi Masalanga, the Taifa Stars frustrated the tournament favorites at every turn. Morocco thought they had found the breakthrough in the 24th minute when Ismail Saibari slotted home, but a VAR review silenced the crowd, ruling the goal out for offside.
The Moment That Changed Everything
As the clock ticked toward the 64th minute, tension in Rabat was at a breaking point. Then, the deadlock was shattered.
Achraf Hakimi, driving forward with his trademark pace, found Brahim Díaz inside the area. The Real Madrid playmaker showcased world-class composure, cutting inside and firing a stinging shot from a tight angle that squeezed past Masalanga. It was Díaz’s fourth goal of the tournament, moving him to the top of the Golden Boot race and cementing his status as the MVP of the host nation.
"We knew it would be a game of patience," Morocco coach Walid Regragui said post-match. "Tanzania played with immense heart, but in the knockout stages, you only need one moment of brilliance. Brahim gave us that today."
Match Statistics: Morocco vs. Tanzania
| Statistic | Morocco | Tanzania |
| Score | 1 | 0 |
| Possession | 72% | 28% |
| Shots (on Target) | 14 (5) | 4 (1) |
| Corners | 9 | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 5 |
Tanzania’s Heroic Exit
Despite the loss, Tanzania leaves the tournament with their heads held high. They nearly shocked the world in the 56th minute when Feisal Toto found himself unmarked in the box, only to blast his effort over the bar. Had that gone in, the tournament’s landscape might look very different today.
For Morocco, the dream of a second continental title remains alive. They now march on to the quarter-finals, where the pressure of being hosts will only intensify.