Achraf Hakimi, returning Captain, assisted Brahim Diaz’ goal to help Morocco qualify for the quarter finals of the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 by discomfiting stubborn Tanzania in the Round of 16 match on Sunday 4 January, 2026 in the city of Rabat.
French Ligue 1 Club, Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG), defender, Hakimi, fielding in his first encounter after more than two (2) months, provided for Diaz, who fired past the Tanzania goalkeeper to score for the host nation in the 64th minute, sending Morocco through to the last eight (8) of the tournament.
The Real Madrid player emerged the first Morocco player to net in four (4) matches at the AFCON finals back-to-back; he was the top scorer in qualifying with seven (7) goals.
After the break, the Moroccans launched series of attacks with Hakimi’s free kick hitting the crossbar. The Taifa Stars goalie, Masalanga, also finely saved a close range header from Abde Ezzalzouli, and Ayoub El Kaabi wasting Hakimi’s cross wide.
Tanzania’s best opportunity at goal came through Feisal Salum before Diaz’ goal. Salim hit the rebound over the bar after goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, was unable to hold a curling effort from distance by Mohamed Hussein.
Tanzania launched an appeal for a penalty during the second half additional time, but, was not granted.
The Taifa Stars, who are ranked 112th in the world, emerged the first side to scale throigh to the Round of 16 with two (2) points since the tournament was expanded to a 24-team tournament in 2019.
Morocco will play against the winner between South Africa and Cameroon in the quarter finals.
Photo: Brahim Diaz shoots Morocco into the quarter final of AFCON 2025 | Getty Images
