Morocco Power Past Tanzania 2-0 to Keep World Cup Dream on Track
After a goalless first half where Morocco dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, the breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute when defender Nayef Aguerd capitalized on a rebound following El Yamiq's header from an Ezzalzouli corner.
The hosts doubled their advantage eight minutes later through Brahim Diaz, who converted from the penalty spot after Mazraoui was fouled in the box. The Real Madrid midfielder's successful conversion put Morocco firmly in control of the match.
Playing without suspended star Achraf Hakimi, Morocco fielded a strong lineup with Bounou in goal, protected by a defense of Mazraoui, El Yamiq, Aguerd, and Belammari. The midfield trio of Saibari, Amrabat, and El Khanouss controlled the tempo, while Diaz, En-Nesyri, and Ezzalzouli led the attack.
Despite holding over 80% possession in the first half, Morocco initially struggled to break down Tanzania's defensive organization. The visitors, led by coach Hemed Suleiman, showed resilience and even created a dangerous opportunity in the 42nd minute when Salum's volley narrowly missed Bounou's post.
The match saw several substitutions in the latter stages, with Morocco introducing Rahimi, Ben Seghir, and Ounahi to maintain their attacking momentum. Tanzania remained competitive but couldn't find a way back into the match after falling behind.
This victory strengthens Morocco's position at the top of Group E in the World Cup qualifiers, where they have now won all five of their matches. The result puts them in a strong position to secure qualification for what would be their seventh World Cup appearance.
The Atlas Lions will conclude this international window with a perfect record, having previously defeated Niger 2-1 in their previous qualifier. Their defensive solidity continues to impress, with the team having conceded just twice in their last five matches while scoring 22 goals. Tags: 2026 world cup qualifersMorocco vs Tanzania
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
Lekjaa: 2030 World Cup Final Venue Not Yet Decided
Marrakech – Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and head of the 2030 World Cup organizing committee, has refuted recent reports claiming that Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been selected to host the 2030 World Cup final. Speaking on a special program broadcast on Morocco's Al Aoula channel Friday evening, Lekjaa clarified that the selection of stadiums for the tournament remains subject to negotiations between the three host countries – Morocco, Spain, and Portugal – in coordination with FIFA. 'Decisions related to the World Cup are not made by club presidents, but by the organizing committees of the three countries in coordination with FIFA,' Lekjaa stated. He pointed out that 'the press is free to publish what it wants, but what is certain, until now, is that Morocco, Spain, and Portugal have earned the honor of organizing this global event.' The FRMF president asserted that no official decision has been made regarding the distribution of matches or the selection of the stadium for the final. This comes in response to Spanish media reports suggesting that FIFA had chosen the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to host the tournament's final match. According to the Spanish website Defensa Central, Real Madrid had reportedly received confirmation from FIFA about renting the historic stadium for the final, citing its technological development and large capacity of over 80,000 spectators. During the interview, Lekjaa suggested that 'the opening and final will take place in the largest stadium ready for the 2030 World Cup,' a statement that positions Morocco's Grand Benslimane Stadium, officially known as Hassan II Stadium, as a logical favorite. Morocco builds the world's biggest stadium Currently under construction near Casablanca, this project – with a capacity exceeding 115,000 spectators – is considered by far the largest of its kind in the world, making it a strong contender against Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona's Spotify Camp Nou. The construction of Benslimane Stadium is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Moroccan construction companies TGCC and SGTM were awarded the second lot of the project in June, in a deal valued at MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million). The stadium will take the form of a massive white tent embodying the 'moussem culture' and will be connected to a network of highways and public transportation, along with sports facilities, including a 'green fields village' and recreational facilities. Lekjaa also spotlighted the North African country's golden era in football, both at the national team and club levels on the continental stage. He noted that 'the boom in Moroccan football today is reinforced by modern infrastructure, which will enable us to continue to excel and win titles in the future.' The FRMF president reminded that Morocco has become a central player in African and international football. 'The Kingdom is now a host for major competitions. This is not a slogan, it's a reality being built on the ground,' he said during the broadcast. The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with stadium selection subject to strict criteria including capacity, infrastructure, technological readiness, safety, comfort, and sustainability. The final decision will be based on a collective agreement between all concerned parties, with consideration for fair distribution of important matches among the three host countries. Read also: FIFA Opens New Africa Office in Rabat Tags: 2030 World CupFouzi LekjaaHassan II Stadium
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Ya Biladi
Women's AFCON 2024 : The Atlas Lionesses aim for their first title
Morocco's national women's team will face Nigeria this Saturday at Rabat's Olympic Stadium in the final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, marking their second consecutive appearance in the tournament's title match. The Atlas Lionesses will be looking to clinch their first-ever continental crown. But the challenge will be formidable. Nigeria, the most successful team in the competition's history with nine titles, is hungry for a tenth and eager to avenge their semi-final defeat to Morocco in the previous edition. After reaching the final of the last WAFCON, Morocco is determined to go one step further this time and bring home the trophy, much to the delight of fans across the kingdom who are hoping to celebrate a historic win on home soil. The Lionesses will draw on their growing experience, which has earned them a place among Africa's elite, highlighted by their participation in the last World Cup and back-to-back WAFCON finals. Still, the players are fully aware of the scale of the challenge ahead. Nigeria remains a powerhouse, with a legacy to defend and unfinished business with Morocco. The Moroccan team topped Group A after a 2-2 draw with Zambia and wins over DR Congo (4-2) and Senegal (1-0). They advanced to the final with a 3-1 victory over Mali in the quarter-finals and a hard-fought win against Ghana in the semi-finals (1-1 after extra time, 4-2 on penalties). Ahead of the final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Thursday that Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa will officiate the match, assisted by Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) and Tabara Mbodji (Senegal). The final kicks off Saturday at 9:00 PM (GMT+1) at Rabat's Olympic Stadium. The third-place playoff between South Africa and Ghana is scheduled for Friday at 8:00 PM at Casablanca's Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
WAFCON Ghana vs South Africa: Who Will Take the Bronze?
Rabat — Tonight, Casablanca will witness a thrilling game between two superwomen teams as South Africa and Ghana will race for bronze in the third-place match at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The game will take place this evening at 8 p.m. at the Stade Larbi Zaouli to determine the outcome of who will stand on the number three podium. Ghana was edged in the semi-finals by Morocco, with the Atlas Lionesses securing a ticket to the final after thrilling penalties. The Ghanaian team coach, Kim Lars Bjorkegern, seeks a strong finish during the tournament, noting that the journey to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil starts now. 'Finishing strongly is a pivotal statement,' he said. Desiree Ellis, South Africa's coach, is determined to repeat a performance where the Banyana Banyana could win their third-place game against Ghana as they did with the same rival in the group stages on July 7. 'Most definitely, there's disappointment with not getting to the final, of course, but there's still something to play for, and that is important.' The coach also said the team is fighting to honor their teammate, star midfielder Gabriela Salgado, who was taken out of the tournament due to a severe leg injury. 'It's not just the medal, but like I said, we're going to try and do this for Gabriela,' Ellis said. 'We will make sure that she gets a medal because it's important that we still fight for the third place, so there's still something to play for, it's not just a playoff match that doesn't mean anything.' If you are in Morocco, Arriyadia and beIN Sport will broadcast the game. If you are watching the game from Ghana, you can watch it through GBC and Super Sport. In South Africa, SABC and SuperSport will also air the match. It remains to be seen who will come out victorious with a bronze medal tonight, as both teams are determined to put in their best efforts to come out on top. Tags: morocco wafconwafcon 2025
