Grand favorite at the 2025 AFCON, Morocco no longer has the right to make mistakes. After a timid start against the Comoros (2-0) and a stall against Mali (1-1), the Atlas Lions went into high gear by crushing Zambia 3-0. There is therefore the ambition to continue this dynamic this Sunday in the eighth final against Tanzania. However, it will be necessary to pay attention to the curse.
In 2019, Morocco was also among the favourites before being eliminated in the 8th final by Benin on penalties. In Côte d’Ivoire, for the 2023 edition, the Lions arrived crowned with their semi-final at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But disaster: a new elimination in eighth final, this time against South Africa.
Host to bet on a formidable up front
To break this spell on them, Morocco will be able to count on two players, co-best scorers of the competition with three goals: Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi.
The 32-year-old striker has also illustrated himself on two exceptional overhead kicks which ended in the back of the net.
Tanzania has a card to play
Third in their group C with 2 points, Tanzania are playing in the first round of the final 16 in their history, for their 4th African Cup. The Taifa Stars therefore have nothing to lose against Morocco, who will be under pressure from the result. Samatta, star of this Tanzanian team, also told the pre-match press conference that he and his teammates were ready.
“This is the match all players want to play, it’s thrilling, it will be difficult, but it’s nice to play this type of meetings. All our players play in the Champions League in clubs and know the pressure of this type of match, it’s up to us to help the younger ones and guide them.”