Morocco has set their standards high after the FIFA World Cup and they are not going to stand back. Since AFCON matches are dynamic, unexpected events can have a big impact on the outcome. Tanzania’s resiliency and Morocco’s superior attack is all to watch as it unfolds on the pitch. The host should do enough to progress to the next round
Match info: AFCON Round of 16
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Date: Sunday, 4th January 2026
Time: 5 pm Nigerian time
Hosts Morocco will take on Tanzania in their round of 16 clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Sunday.
The Atlas Lions finished top of Group A after two victories and a draw in the previous round, while Tanzania booked their place as one of the best third-placed finishers of the first round.
Head-to-head:
- Morocco have won seven of the eight meetings between the two teams.
- Tanzania recorded one victory.
- This is the opening match for both the teams in the Group F of the AFCON 2023.
- There have been three competitions between the Moroccan and Tanzanian teams since 2013, with Morocco winning two of those matches.
- Morocco kept five clean sheets in the eight games between the teams.
- Six of their eight encounters produced at least two goals.
Form:
- Morocco in the AFCON: W-D-W
- Morocco in all competitions: W-W-W-D-W
- Tanzania in the AFCON: L-D-D
- Tanzania in all competitions: L-L-L-D-D
Team News:
- Noussair Mazraoui may not feature in this game of AFCON. Whereas El Kaabi and Tissoudali are available to fill in as strikers if necessary. But as the game gets closer, it’s critical to keep up with the official updates. Haji Mnoga, Tarryn Allarakhia, and Anthony Ben Starkie are interested to start for Tanzania. Their possible inclusion would provide the team more depth and flexibility. It would be good to see how both teams align with their current squad.
Player(s) to watch:
- Youssef En-Nesyri is a well-known Moroccan player who excels at scoring goals and in aerial situations. En Nesyri is renowned for his quickness and clinical finishing which was pretty evident in the World Cup as well. He has established himself as a vital member of his national squad and is a regular starter in attacking lineup.
- On the contrary, Tanzania’s hopes are carried by Charles M’Mombwa, who demonstrates versatility and energy on the pitch. He scored the last goal for the team in a match where Tanzania ended up winning. The fans and coaches will be expecting for him to score for sure.