AFCON 2025: Can Tanzania defy the odds and eliminate Morocco?
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 04.01.26. | 12:25
Today's clash will be the second time the two teams will be meeting at AFCON finals, following their group stage tussle in the 2023 edition, which Morocco won 3-0
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco will seek to advance to the quarterfinals when they face Tanzania on Sunday at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat from 7 pm.
Morocco qualified for the knockout phase after emerging as Group A winners, while Tanzania secured a place in this phase as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams.
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The Atlas Lions secured victory over Comoros and Zambia and drew against Mali, while Taifa Stars lost to Nigeria before holding Uganda and Tunisia to draws.
Today's clash will be the second time the two teams will be meeting at AFCON finals, following their group stage tussle in the 2023 edition, which Morocco won 3-0.
Overall, the two nations have locked horns eight times, with Morocco emerging victorious seven times, including the last five consecutive times, with Tanzania’s 3-1 victory in a 2014 World Cup qualifier played in 2013 being their only win.
However, Tanzania will draw confidence from the fact that the nation's football has grown over time, courtesy of the exponential success in their domestic league, where a good chunk of their national team players ply their trade.
Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta, who is expected to lead the hunt for goals, is well aware of Morocco's strength.
Despite that, the former Aston Villa man remains positive about pulling an upset.
“We have cards to play. Morocco are a heavyweight of African football, but we believe in our strengths. We are not here to admire anyone. We trust our qualities to upset the odds and prove that our presence at this stage is no coincidence,” said Samatta.
Morocco, on the other hand, will be banking on their abundance of quality as well as home support to secure victory and move closer to their dream of winning the AFCON title on home soil.
Experienced defender Romain Saiss called for concentration from his side in this crucial phase.
“The hardest part begins now. It is simple: you win, and you go through, or the journey ends. There are no calculations anymore. We must stay focused and pursue our objectives. Tanzania are not an easy team to face, and it’s up to us to show our value on the pitch,” he said.
Sunday
19.00: (1.15) Morocco (8.50) Tanzania (25.0)
22.00: (3.25) South Africa (3.15) Cameroon (2.50)
Monday
19.00: (1.48) Egypt (4.10) Benin (7.50)
22.00: (1.40) Nigeria (4.50) Mozambique (8.50)
Tuesday
19.00: (2.00) Algeria (3.35) DR Congo (4.00)
22.00: (1.90) Ivory Coast (3.40) Burkina Faso (4.30)
***odds are subject to change***
