It’s no longer a secret that most people tipped Morocco to take home the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, but after the game against Tanzania, there are more questions than answers.

Morocco huffed and puffed to secure a slim 1-0 victory against Tanzania in the Round of 16 encounter at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.

After qualifying for the Round of 16 from Group C with two points as one of the best third-placed teams, many predicted that the Taifa Stars were set up for a thorough beating.

On the contrary, the Taifa Stars showed up and put up a heroic performance against Morocco in front of a fully packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Composed and persistent 

Despite playing in front of a hostile and harsh crowd, Tanzania remained composed and persistent, a testament to their eagerness and hunger to sit at the table of men when it comes to football on the continent.

Not many teams have looked calm and composed in front of that crowd, but the Taifa Stars did it with a lot of ease. This does not come on a silver plate however it’s a fruit of having your teams play ocassionally at the continental stage.

Looking at the previous three games played at the magnificent stadium, Morocco has squeezed opponents and humbled them in the opening minutes of the game. However, the Taifa Stars showed up early and started play from the back proving that they would not be bullied.

Morocco against Tanzania at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium | Credit: John Batanudde

Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui in action against Tanzania | Credit: John Batanudde

Athleticism and Physicality 

While it was obvious that Morocco are the better side in terms of talent and agibility, Tanzania showed up with a brilliant strategy of athleticism and Physicality thus making it hard for the hosts to find their rhythm.

Tanzania’s physicality proved to be the decisive factor in keeping them competitive. By deploying a disciplined mid-to-low block, they effectively stifled Morocco’s attack, neutralizing their creative outlets by denying them the space needed to maraud forward.

Ayoub El Kaabi was successfully marked out of the game during his 77 minutes on the pitch. Hamad and Nondo’s partnership remained flawless, maintaining a compact shape that limited Morocco to four second-half shots on target and zero in the first.

Morocco is set to face Cameroon in a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash this Friday, January 9. The encounter will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, marking one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.

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