Returning captain Achraf Hakimi marked his first start in more than two months by setting up the decisive goal. Host nation Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat. Football fans are also eager to see players like Brahim Diaz shine at Afcon 2025.

Hakimi returned from an ankle injury and set up Brahim Díaz midway through the second half in a decisive moment at AFCON 2025.

The Real Madrid playmaker drove a low shot past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post, finally breaking Tanzania’s resistance.

With his fourth goal of the tournament, Brahim Díaz continued his remarkable run. He became the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive matches at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Notably, the 24-year-old had also been the competition’s top scorer during qualification and finishing with seven goals.

Although Morocco dominated possession for long spells, clear-cut chances proved difficult to convert. At Afcon 2025, Brahim Diaz's presence was important.

Nevertheless, patience eventually paid off when Hakimi slipped a pass to Brahim on the right side of the area. From a tight angle, the winger worked his way to the byline. He surprised Masalanga with a fierce finish when a cross seemed the more likely option.

Tanzania Threaten a Famous Upset

The Taifa Stars came close to causing a major shock on several occasions at Afcon 2025. This included a remarkable performance against Brahim Diaz's team.

Earlier in the match, 19-year-old debutant Selemani Mwalimu, introduced in place of captain Mbwana Samatta, created the game’s first opening. He burst into the box and overhit a cross that narrowly evaded the unmarked Simon Msuva at the far post.

Later, Feisal Salum missed Tanzania’s best chance of the contest. He lifted a rebound over the bar after Yassine Bounou had failed to hold Mohamed Hussein’s curling long-range effort.

As a result, Morocco were left relieved that Tanzania’s wastefulness prevented the match from taking a very different turn.

Missed Chances and VAR Drama

Meanwhile, Morocco had a goal disallowed in the 15th minute when Ismael Saibari headed home a free-kick. VAR confirmed an offside decision, which might have changed the fortunes of Brahim Diaz at Afcon 2025.

Shortly afterwards, Masalanga was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty after clattering into Ayoub El Kaabi. This occurred while attempting to intercept Brahim’s cross. The striker headed over while both players lay grounded.

After the break, Morocco’s intensity was visibly raised following instructions from head coach Walid Regragui.

Hakimi struck a free-kick against the crossbar during a sustained spell of pressure. Masalanga produced fine saves to deny Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi.

Tanzania also appealed unsuccessfully for a late penalty in stoppage time when Iddy Nado went down under pressure from Adam Masina inside the box. However, play was waved on.

Progress Without Perfection

Although the performance was far from vintage, Morocco did just enough to keep their campaign on track. They are chasing a first continental title since 1976. During Afcon 2025, key players like Brahim Diaz are critical to Morocco's ambitions.

Encouragingly, Hakimi completed the full match following his lengthy lay-off.

The victory moves the favourites one step closer to a first Africa Cup of Nations semi-final since 2004. That was a year in which Regragui featured as a player in the final defeat to Tunisia.

Tanzania Look Ahead Despite Exit

For Tanzania, the defeat extended their winless run at Afcon finals to 13 matches, stretching back to their tournament debut in 1980.

However, valuable experience has been gained, particularly with an eye on co-hosting the 2027 edition alongside Kenya and Uganda. They are looking forward also to Afcon 2025 achievements from players like Brahim Diaz.

Having progressed to the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams despite failing to win a group game, the Taifa Stars can take encouragement from a disciplined display. They pushed the hosts to the limit.

Morocco will now discover their quarter-final opponents when South Africa face Cameroon later on Sunday evening (19:00 GMT). A place in the semi-finals is firmly within reach.