Brahim Diaz makes history as first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON matches

Brahim Diaz wrote his name into Moroccan football history on Sunday evening after scoring the decisive goal in a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania, a result that sent the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The strike saw Diaz become the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON matches. It also marked a significant personal milestone, as he became only the second player to score four goals in a single AFCON tournament for Morocco, following Youssef Mokhtari’s feat in 2004.

The Round of 16 encounter at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah began with Tanzania showing early intent, pressing confidently despite their underdog status and making it clear they were determined to compete. As the match progressed, Morocco gradually asserted control and began creating clearer chances.

In the 15th minute, Ismael Saibari appeared to have given the Atlas Lions the lead with a powerful header, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review for offside. Morocco continued to push forward but were unable to break the deadlock before the interval, with the teams heading into halftime scoreless.

After the restart, the hosts returned with renewed energy, dominating possession and pinning Tanzania deep in their own half in search of a breakthrough. Achraf Hakimi came close on the hour mark when his direct free-kick rattled the crossbar.

Moments later, Hakimi provided the decisive assist, threading a fine pass through to Diaz. The Real Madrid attacker glided past his marker before calmly firing into the near post, leaving the Tanzanian goalkeeper with no chance.

The goal proved decisive at full time, sealing a hard-fought 1-0 win for Morocco and confirming their place in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025.