Taïfa Stars did not hold back

It is the Tanzanians who hit first from the 3rd minute with this big opportunity. Launched deep, Mwalimu crosses for Simon Msuva, alone at the 2nd post. The striker from Al Talaba (D1 – Iraq) cannot convert. Despite their enormous domination, the Moroccans fail to put more precision in the last gesture. In the 15th minute, Ayoub El Kaabi heads a free kick from Hakimi but cannot find the target. At the break, the nets were still virgin.

Morocco accelerates in the second half, visibly coming under pressure from impatient fans in the stands. Ayoub El Kaabi, again offers himself a great opportunity at the 48th minute. The defense of the Taïfa Stars bends under the blows of the host country but does not break. The game unfolds into the 50th minute when Abd Ezzalzouli sees his headbutt stopped by the Tanzanian goalkeeper, Masaranga. At the 52nd, it’s Bila El Khanouss’ turn to try. Served at the entrance of the penalty area, he sees his shot pass by just above the Tanzanian upright. Three minutes later, another header from El Kaabi cannot find the frame. The lack of precision, the main theme of this Moroccan offensive animation against Tanzanian solidarity.

Brahim Diaz, still the savior

Dominated and tossed from everywhere, Tanzania’s back is on the wall but fiercely play their luck on transitions. At 56, the East Africans are very close to the heist. Husseini’s distant attempt is repelled on Fei Toto alone at the penalty point. The author of the qualifying goal against Tunisia misses what could be the opener. In the 60th, the captain of Morocco sees his free kick crash on the crossbar.

The deliverance occurred at the 64th minute when Brahim Diaz served by Hakimi, deceives Masaranga for his 4th goal of the tournament. The Real Madrid player scores for his 4th consecutive match in this competition. A goal that he dedicates to his teammate Ounahi, injured and forfeit for the rest of the competition. 

The host country reaches the quarter-finals where it will face the winner of the 8th match between South Africa and Cameroon.