Morocco vs Tanzania Player Ratings: Brahim Diaz Scores His Fourth Goal of the Tournament to Send the Atlas Lions to the Quarterfinals

The Morocco vs Tanzania match in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 proved to be an absolute thriller. The Atlas Lions came in as heavy favorites in this Africa Cup of Nations clash, and while they got the 1-0 win, Tanzania made them sweat for every inch.

The story of this match was Moroccan dominance versus Tanzanian grit. The Atlas Lions controlled the ball, pinging it around with authority, but they just couldn't find that final, killer touch for most of the game.

What stood out to us was the sheer number of chances that went begging. Ayoub El Kaabi will be having nightmares about his missed headers, and one of the best right backs in the world currently Achraf Hakimi, was desperately unlucky to see his free-kick smash against the crossbar.

It felt like one of those nights where the ball just wouldn't go in. Tanzania, to their credit, defended for their lives. Their backline was throwing bodies everywhere, making blocks and clearances. It wasn't the prettiest of defending, but it was effective.

Ultimately, it took a moment of pure, unadulterated class from Brahim Díaz to break the deadlock in the 64th minute, as he shot from a tight angle from the right-hand side of the penalty box. His goal was the one piece of magic that separated the two sides.

While Morocco walks away with a qualification to the quarter-finals, they'll know that they need to be far more clinical if they want to go deep in this tournament. Tanzania can hold their heads high, as they gave everything they had in this Morocco vs Tanzania fixture.

Sportsdunia brings you all the details regarding the Morocco vs Tanzania Player Ratings from the high-voltage Round of 16 clash in the AFCON 2025.

Morocco Player Ratings vs Tanzania

Take a look at our Morocco Player Ratings from the Morocco vs Tanzania Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Yassine Bounou - 6.5: Had one of the quietest nights of his career. He only faced one shot on target, which he handled with ease. His distribution was clean and accurate, starting several attacks from the back. We noticed he was constantly organizing his defense, even when not directly involved. It was a comfortable evening's work for the Moroccan number one. He was a spectator for large parts.

Defenders

Achraf Hakimi - 8.5: What a performance. The captain was simply sensational and our man of the match. He was a constant outlet on the right, delivering a staggering nine crosses and creating five key passes. He was desperately unlucky not to score, rattling the crossbar with a brilliant free-kick. Defensively solid, but his attacking contribution was on another level entirely. A true world-class display.

Noussair Mazraoui - 7.0: A very solid outing on the opposite flank before his substitution. He was strong in the duel, winning an impressive 9 of 15 battles. From our perspective, he linked up play well and wasn't afraid to get forward. His performance was cut short, but he showed his quality while on the pitch. A reliable and hardworking display.

Nayef Aguerd - 7.5: A rock at the heart of the defense. He was so composed in possession, completing 91% of his passes. What stood out to us was his dominance in the air, winning three of his four aerial duels with ease. He read the game beautifully, making crucial interceptions and clearances. A commanding and almost flawless performance.

Adam Masina - 7.0: A very tidy and efficient performance from the defender. He completed 93% of his passes and won the majority of his duels. We noticed he was particularly strong in the air, winning all four of his aerial challenges. He didn't put a foot wrong and provided a solid base for the team's attacks. A quiet but very effective game.

Midfielders

Ismael Saibari - 7.0: An all-action display from the midfielder. He thought he'd opened the scoring early on, only for VAR to cruelly deny him. He was a constant thorn in Tanzania's side, drawing three fouls and winning seven duels. His energy was infectious, though it did lead to a yellow card. A really positive and influential performance before being subbed.

Bilal El Khannouss - 7.5: He ran the show from the middle of the park. With 86 touches and an excellent passing range, he dictated the tempo of the game. His defensive contribution was immense, making eight ball recoveries and two interceptions. He just needs to cut out the needless fouls. A fantastic, controlling performance from the young midfielder.

Neil El Aynaoui - 7.0: The metronome in Morocco's midfield. His ability to switch play with long passes was a joy to watch, completing 9 out of 10 attempts. He worked tirelessly, winning his battles and keeping possession ticking over. He provided the stability that allowed the more creative players to flourish. A very mature and intelligent performance.

Forwards

Brahim Díaz - 8.0: The match-winner. In a tight game with few clear openings, it took his moment of individual brilliance to make the difference. His goal from a tight angle was sublime. Beyond the goal, he was a constant threat, trying to make things happen. He was the spark that Morocco desperately needed.

Abde Ezzalzouli - 8.0: Simply unplayable at times. He won a staggering 12 of his 15 duels, a testament to his strength and trickery. He drew four fouls and was the architect of the disallowed goal with a great cross. His work rate was phenomenal, tracking back to make four tackles. A relentless and brilliant performance on the wing.

Ayoub El Kaabi - 6.0: It was a frustrating night for the striker. He got into good positions but his finishing let him down, missing a couple of clear headers. We noticed his head dropped after the big chances went begging. He worked hard for the team, but a striker is judged on goals, and he couldn't deliver today.

Substitutes

Anass Salah-Eddine - 6.0: Came on for Mazraoui and looked solid.

Youssef En-Nesyri - 6.0: Replaced El Kaabi but had little service to work with.

Eliesse Ben Seghir - 6.5: Looked lively and drew a foul immediately.

Oussama Targhalline - N/A: On late to see out the game.

Manager

W. Regragui - 7.0: His team secured the victory, which is the most important thing. They dominated possession and territory. However, he'll be concerned by their lack of cutting edge in the final third. The substitutions were logical, aiming to maintain control and see out the narrow lead. A win is a win, but there is room for improvement.

Tanzania Player Ratings vs Morocco

Take a look at our Tanzania Player Ratings from the Morocco vs Tanzania Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Hussein Masalanga - 6.5: Made three saves and a couple of good claims to keep his side in it for so long. He couldn't do anything about the wonderful strike from Díaz. However, his distribution was poor, completing only 59% of his passes and often putting his team under pressure. A mixed bag of a performance.

Defenders

Ibrahim Hamad - 7.5: A heroic performance at the back. He was an absolute warrior, throwing himself in front of everything. He made a staggering 14 clearances and won 10 of his 15 duels. What stood out to us was his commitment and bravery. Without him, the scoreline could have been much worse. Tanzania's best player by a mile.

Dickson Job - 6.0: Had a busy night and made five clearances. He was let down by his discipline, committing three fouls and picking up a late yellow card. He struggled to cope with the movement of the Moroccan forwards at times. An okay performance, but a rash one.

Bakari Mwamnyeto - 5.5: A difficult night for the captain. His passing accuracy was low, and he struggled to impose himself on the game. He was dribbled past once and seemed off the pace. From our perspective, he needed to be more commanding as the leader of the defense. A performance he'll want to forget.

Midfielders

Mohamed Hussein - 6.5: Put in a decent shift before being substituted. He managed a shot on target and was tidy in possession. He worked hard defensively, making four ball recoveries and a couple of clearances. A solid, if unspectacular, performance.

Novatus Miroshi - 6.0: He battled hard in midfield, making three tackles and four clearances. However, he was very wasteful with the ball, losing possession 12 times and completing only 64% of his passes. His work rate was commendable, but the lack of quality on the ball was costly.

Haji Mnoga - 5.0: A truly torrid evening for the midfielder. He was completely overwhelmed, winning just 4 of his 22 duels. He was dribbled past twice and committed five fouls. It was no surprise to see him substituted. The worst performer on the pitch by some distance.

Alphonce Msanga - 6.5: One of Tanzania's better performers in the middle. He worked tirelessly, winning seven duels and making three tackles. He showed some quality on the ball, creating a chance and completing a dribble. His night was soured by a late yellow card for a cynical foul.

Forwards

Feisal Salum - 5.5: A very quiet game for the attacker. He missed a big chance to score and was largely anonymous otherwise. He was dispossessed twice and struggled to get involved in the play. He picked up a yellow card for a poor foul in the first half.

Selemani Mwalimu - 6.0: Showed some flashes of real quality, creating two big chances for his teammates. He had the vision but his colleagues couldn't convert. Faded as the game went on and was eventually substituted. A promising but ultimately frustrating outing.

Simon Msuva - 6.0: He was a nuisance, drawing four fouls from the Moroccan defense. However, he offered little else. He turned the ball over four times and missed a big chance. He ran hard but lacked the quality to make a real impact on the game.

Substitutes

Mbwana Samatta - 6.0: Brought on to add experience but barely had a touch of the ball.

Shomari Kapombe - 6.0: Slotted in at the back and was solid enough.

Tarryn Allarakhia - 6.0: Tried to get on the ball but couldn't influence the game.

Iddy Nado - N/A: Came on too late to make an impact.

Manager

M. Gamondi - 6.5: He set his team up to be compact and difficult to break down, and it almost worked. The defensive organization and work rate were impressive. However, they offered next to nothing going forward, which was ultimately their downfall. He got the tactics mostly right, but you can't win if you don't create chances.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match: Achraf Hakimi