RABAT, Morocco (AP) – Brahim Dias led Morocco to a 1-0 win over Tanzania on Sunday, sending his team into the quarterfinals and pushing Morocco towards the African Cup of Nations title.
Diaz, who has quickly emerged as a star player for the host nation, broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. He beat Hussein Masaranga at the near post when the Taifa Stars goalkeeper was probably expecting a cross.
It was Diaz’s fourth goal in four games, and relief celebrations began around Rabat’s 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The home team will play all matches as long as they continue to win until the final on January 18th.
Atlas Lions maintained overwhelming possession, but were severely frustrated by Tanzania’s disciplined and dedicated defense.
Morocco will next play either South Africa or Cameroon at the much smaller Rabat Stadium in El Valido later on Sunday.
Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Moroccan national team, made his first start in the tournament after returning from an ankle injury and played the entire match.
Ayub El Kaabi should have scored in the 55th minute from Hakimi’s cross, but his header went wide.
Mohamed Hussein then had Tanzania’s first shot on target, and Faye Toto tucked in the rebound.
An hour before the start, Hakimi hit the crossbar with a free kick, sending Diaz in to break the deadlock again.
senegal and mali decided to advance to the quarterfinals Saturday.
___
Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
