Dar es Salaam. Hosts Morocco will face Tanzania in a Round of 16 encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the two sides set to meet at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Sunday, January 4.
Morocco progressed to the knockout stages after finishing top of Group A, collecting seven points from their three matches.
Tanzania, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, sealing a place in the last 16 despite a challenging group-stage campaign.
Match Preview
Morocco arrive at this stage of the competition on the back of a solid group-phase performance, having recorded two victories and a draw.
The Atlas Lions showed defensive organisation and attacking efficiency, qualities that have made them one of the most consistent sides in the tournament so far.
The hosts will be keen to move beyond the Round of 16, a stage at which they exited the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
This time, however, they benefit from home support, with the atmosphere in Rabat expected to be intense as supporters rally behind Walid Regragui’s side.
Morocco have also enjoyed a strong run of form across all competitions, remaining unbeaten in their recent matches and showing maturity in managing games.
With experienced players spread across Europe’s top leagues, the North Africans will aim to impose control early and dictate the tempo.
Tanzania, on the other hand, have already made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in over four decades.
Their path to the Round of 16 was far from straightforward, but resilience and discipline helped them secure progression.
The Taifa Stars now face arguably their toughest challenge of the tournament, coming up against a side with a rich AFCON pedigree and strong home backing.
Nevertheless, the encounter presents a valuable opportunity for Tanzania to test themselves at the highest level and continue their positive trajectory on the continental stage.
Historically, meetings between the two nations have favoured Morocco, but knockout football often provides room for surprises, and Tanzania will be eager to rise to the occasion.
Team News
Morocco are monitoring the fitness of several key players ahead of the clash.
Romain Saïss remains a doubt after missing recent matches due to a muscle injury, while Achraf Hakimi has returned to action and is available for selection following a cameo appearance in the group stage.
Ayoub El Kaabi has been one of Morocco’s standout performers so far, finding the net consistently and strengthening his case for another start in attack.
Tanzania are expected to maintain continuity, with head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi likely to name a similar line-up to the one that featured in their final group match.
Captain Mbwana Samatta is set to lead the attack, supported by creative midfielders such as Simon Msuva and Faisal Salum.
Possible Line-ups
Morocco: Bono; Salah-Eddine, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, El Aynaoui; Saibari, El Kaabi, Diaz.
Tanzania: Foba; Hussein, Hamad, Mwamnyeto, Job; Miroshi, Msanga; Msuva, Salum, Mnoga; Samatta.
