Morocco as Hosts Advance to AFCON Quarter-Finals While Cameroon Eliminates South Africa
Brahim Diazs goal propelled Morocco into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals by knocking out Tanzania on Sunday and now Cameroon blocks the hosts path following the Indomitable Lions narrow 2 1 win over South Africa in the round of 16 matchup.
The Real Madrid winger Diaz netted in all three of Moroccos group stage games at the event and kept his scoring streak alive with the decisive 64th minute effort that clinched a 1 0 triumph at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
He becomes the initial Moroccan to score in four straight AFCON fixtures and during his celebrations he displayed a shirt from the sidelined midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
Diaz subsequently offered the round of 16 success to his fellow player who showed up at the venue on crutches and faces exclusion from the remaining tournament due to a calf problem.
The strike followed after Morocco missed several opportunities while extending their undefeated streak to 23 games since their previous defeat against South Africa during the 2024 AFCON.
Paris Saint Germain defender Achraf Hakimi the African footballer of the year assisted the match winner as he took his debut start in the competition post recovery from an ankle issue.
Morocco entered as strong contenders for various factors such as hosting rights the support from nearly 70 000 fans and ranking 101 spots higher than Tanzania globally.
Yet Tanzania created the initial opportunity in the third minute though Saimon Msuva failed to connect properly with Selemani Mwalimus cross.
Morocco thought they had scored after 15 minutes when Ismael Saibari headed Abdessamad Ezzalzoulis free kick beyond keeper Hussein Masaranga but officials disallowed it for offside.
The home sides dominance grew in the latter period with Hakimi striking a free kick onto the crossbar prior to the eventual goal.
Hakimi provided the pass for Diaz who slotted past Masaranga at the near post via a sharp angle finish from near distance.
The game analysis is straightforward we only truly competed in the second half yet we clearly merited progression said Morocco manager Walid Regragui.
Tanzania put up a brave showing in their debut knockout phase but the 2027 joint hosts depart without a single Cup of Nations victory across 13 efforts.
I feel immense pride in my teams performance stated Tanzanias Argentine manager Miguel Angel Gamondi.
They proved the difference between Morocco and ourselves is not as vast as many believe. We shall return improved I am certain.
Major Setback for Broos
Morocco next meets Cameroon on Friday following the Indomitable Lions success against South Africa at Al Medina Stadium later on Sunday in Rabat.
Strikes bracketing the break from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane proved key for Cameroon versus a South Africa outfit managed by Hugo Broos the Belgian who guided the Indomitable Lions to their fifth Africa title in Gabon back in 2017.
The London born Stoke City defender Tchamadeu netted up close in the 34th minute after a rebound from a blocked effort landed favourably.
Young Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane then nodded home the vital second just past the interval.
South Africas late push resulted in Evidence Makgopa reducing the deficit in the 88th minute though Cameroon clung on tensely.
The five time Africa champions Cameroon approach their quarter final clash with Morocco calmly aware the burden rests on the host nation.
I aim to enjoy this win initially. The Morocco fixture remains distant said Cameroon boss David Pagou who assumed charge mere days prior to the events start.
We endured hardship today despite the result and everyone requires some recovery time.
Meanwhile Bafana Bafana face significant letdown after placing third in the 2024 AFCON yet they may shift focus to the forthcoming World Cup for solace.
We progress not regress but a thorough review of this tournaments events is essential as we prepare for the World Cup added Broos.