Tanzania tumble out of CHAN after defeat to Morocco

Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging hosts Tanzania 1-0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Atlas Lions secured victory courtesy of a well-taken strike by Oussama Lamlioui in the 65th minute, a goal that ultimately separated the two sides after a fiercely contested encounter.

The result ended Tanzania’s spirited run in front of their home fans and made them the second co-host nation to bow out of the tournament, following Kenya’s dramatic elimination earlier in the day at the hands of Madagascar in a penalty shootout at Kasarani Stadium.

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From the opening whistle, the match lived up to its billing, with both sides setting a blistering tempo as they sought to secure a coveted semi-final berth.

Tanzania, buoyed by a passionate crowd, carved out the first real chance inside five minutes.

Clement Mzize, the young Yanga SC forward, latched onto a clever pass from Feisal Salum, but saw his long-range attempt narrowly miss the target.

Morocco responded almost immediately through Lamlioui, who forced goalkeeper Yakuob Suleiman into a smart save with a low drive in the 10th minute.

The pressure mounted as Sabir Bougrine and Ayoub Mehri combined to create another Moroccan opening, though Bougrine’s effort found only the side netting.

Tanzania’s attacking verve continued to trouble Morocco, with Mzize and Salum linking up well but lacking the precision to break the deadlock.

Salum, popularly known as Fei Toto, nearly put the hosts ahead on the half-hour mark with a clever backheel flick that was kept out by Moroccan goalkeeper Elmehdi Al Harrar.

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As the half wore on, Morocco began to impose themselves, testing Suleiman repeatedly.

Mohammed Boulacsout and Lamlioui each unleashed dangerous efforts, but the Taifa Stars’ shot-stopper proved equal to the task, pulling off acrobatic saves to keep the scores level at halftime.

The second half resumed with Morocco on the front foot, probing Tanzania’s backline with intent.

Lamlioui twice came close within the opening five minutes after the restart, only to be denied once more by the ever-alert Suleiman.

Morocco captain Mohamed Hirmat also forced the Tanzanian keeper into action with a towering header in the 53rd minute.

The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Youssef Belammari floated in a pinpoint delivery that found Lamlioui perfectly placed inside the box.

The RS Berkane forward made no mistake this time, calmly tapping home to send the Atlas Lions into a jubilant celebration while silencing the Dar es Salaam crowd.

Despite going behind, Tanzania did not wilt.

Mzize and Abdul Hamisi Suleiman spearheaded their push for an equaliser, but Morocco’s defence held firm under pressure.

In the dying moments, Abdul Hamisi attempted a daring chip over Al Harrar, but the effort drifted wide as Morocco clung on to secure a hard-fought win.

With the result, Morocco joined Madagascar in the last four, underlining their pedigree as two-time CHAN champions.

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The Atlas Lions’ resilience, and attacking precision proved decisive on a night when Tanzania’s spirited fightback was not enough to extend their fairytale run they saw them win all their group stage matches, the best run in the tournament.