Host nation Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania, putting them one step closer to a first AFCON title in 50 years.
The Atlas Lions thought they had taken the lead after a quarter of an hour played, when Ismael Saibari headed home an inviting left-wing delivery. However, the deafening cheers from the Morocco supporters suddenly turned into boos as the goal was ruled out for offside by the assistant referee.
The hosts bossed possession straight from the opening whistle but, surprisingly, Walid Regragui’s side found it difficult to find the breakthrough against resilient and determined underdog opponents.
In the first half’s later minutes, Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi respectively fired over from the edge of the box and put a diving header narrowly wide.
There was certainly an element of surprise when the half-time whistle was blown that Morocco had failed to produce a single shot on target, but much of that could be attributed to a well-organised Taifa Stars defence, and the astute tactical approach from Tanzania head coach Miguel Angel Gamondi.
Morocco began the second half with high intensity, and almost secured the lead five minutes after the restart when Hussein Masalanga clawed away Abde Ezzalzouli’s close-range header.
The Atlas Lions were almost made to pay dearly for their lack of clinical finishing, as out of nowhere, Feisal Salum was presented with a golden opportunity to give the Taifa Stars a shock lead, but he blazed the ball over the bar when the moment demanded composure.
The match continued in frantic fashion as Morocco smacked the woodwork on the hour mark following a free-kick from Achraf Hakimi.
With nerves just beginning to build amongst the huge home support, the crowd erupted as the tournament favourites finally broke the deadlock after 64 minutes played, when Diaz beat Masalanga at his near post to maintain his record of scoring in every game for his nation at this tournament.
The opening goal noticeably eased the pressure on the Atlas Lions and, despite a significant drop in tempo, they managed the closing stages of the match expertly to book their place in the last eight.
Morocco will now face either Cameroon or South Africa in the quarter-finals on Friday, while the Tanzanian squad exit the tournament with their heads held high after navigating their way past the AFCON group stage for the first time in their history.
