HOST nation Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought victory over a resilient Tanzania side in Rabat, setting up a mouth-watering last-eight showdown with five-time champions Cameroon.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that returning captain Achraf Hakimi, making his first start in more than two months after recovering from an ankle injury, played a decisive role as the Atlas Lions edged the Taifa Stars.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back provided the assist for Brahim Diaz, whose clinical finish midway through the second half proved enough to separate the sides.
Hakimi slipped a precise pass into Diaz’s path, allowing the Real Madrid playmaker to fire past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post, sparking celebrations inside the packed Rabat stadium.
The goal further etched Diaz’s name into Morocco’s AFCON history, as he became the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive matches at the AFCON finals. Diaz had earlier been Morocco’s top scorer in the qualifying campaign with seven goals and has continued his prolific form on home soil.
Morocco dominated much of the second half, pinning Tanzania back with sustained pressure. Hakimi came agonisingly close to scoring himself when he thundered a free-kick against the crossbar, while Masalanga produced a series of fine saves to keep the Taifa Stars in contention.
The Tanzanian goalkeeper denied Abde Ezzalzouli from close range and watched on as Ayoub El Kaabi narrowly missed the target with a glancing header from another dangerous Hakimi delivery.
Tanzania, however, showed grit and nearly stunned the hosts moments before Diaz struck. Feisal Salum lifted a rebound over the bar after Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou spilled Mohamed Hussein’s curling effort from distance.
Late drama followed in stoppage time when Tanzania appealed for a penalty after substitute Iddy Nado went down inside the box under pressure from Adam Masina, but their protests were waved away, allowing Morocco to see out the contest.
Still chasing a first AFCON title since 1976, the Atlas Lions will now face a far sterner test against Cameroon.
Earlier on Sunday, Cameroon secured their quarter-final place with a tense 2-1 victory over South Africa, overcoming a spirited Bafana Bafana side led by their former coach Hugo Broos.
After a lively opening from South Africa, Cameroon took the lead in the 34th minute through Junior Tchamadeu, aided by a slice of fortune. Following a partially cleared corner, Carlos Baleba’s shot ricocheted off two players inside the penalty area before falling kindly for the Stoke City right-back, who finished from close range. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR check for offside.
Just two minutes into the second half, Cameroon doubled their advantage as Christian Kofane glanced a superb near-post header past Ronwen Williams, converting an inviting cross from the left by Mahamadou Nagida amid heavy rain.
South Africa pushed back strongly, forcing Cameroon goalkeeper David Epassy into two excellent saves, while Kofane nearly added his second after latching onto a long ball from Bryan Mbeumo.
Bafana Bafana set up a nervy finale when Evidence Makgopa poked home from close range with two minutes of normal time remaining. However, the Indomitable Lions held firm through the closing stages to secure victory and spark jubilant celebrations among their supporters.
With both teams advancing, Morocco and Cameroon will now collide in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash in Rabat on Friday (19:00 GMT). The encounter pits the tournament hosts and one of Africa’s most talented squads against one of the continent’s most decorated teams.