AFCON 2025: Brahim Diaz stunning strike gives Morocco victory over stubborn Tanzania and book quarter-final spot

Brahim Diaz’s decisive strike on Sunday evening was enough to hand Morocco a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania, booking the Atlas Lions a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Round of 16 encounter at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah saw Tanzania begin brightly, showing no signs of intimidation despite their underdog status and pressing Morocco aggressively from the opening minutes.

As the game settled, Morocco gradually imposed itself and began to fashion opportunities in the final third.

In the 15th minute, Ismael Saibari thought he had given the hosts the lead with a powerful header, but after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside. Morocco continued to push thereafter but were unable to find a breakthrough, with the teams heading into the interval locked in a goalless draw.

After the restart, the Atlas Lions returned with renewed intensity, pinning Tanzania deep in their own half as they searched for the decisive goal. Achraf Hakimi came agonisingly close just after the hour mark when his direct free-kick struck the crossbar.

Moments later, Hakimi turned provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Brahim Diaz. The Real Madrid attacker skipped past his marker before drilling a composed finish into the near post, leaving the Tanzanian goalkeeper with no chance.

We slowed it down for you. We know Brahim never does. 😮‍💨🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/kxUy6pDZzS

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 4, 2026

The superb strike proved to be the difference at full time, sealing a narrow victory for Morocco and confirming their progression to the quarter-finals.

Diaz’s match-winning goal also saw him etch his name into the record books as the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON matches.