Morocco end Tanzania’s CHAN run with slim quarter-final win
By Cy Muganda, August 22, 2025Morocco has booked its place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging out Tanzania 1-0 in a tense quarter-final clash played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The tightly contested encounter on Friday, August 22, 2025, saw both sides struggle to break the deadlock in the opening hour, with chances coming few and far between.
Tanzania, buoyed by a strong fan base, home ground advantage and a spirited run in the tournament, matched Morocco in intensity, registering 11 shots compared to their opponents’ nine, though only two found the target.
Goal of the match
The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute when Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui pounced to score the only goal of the match.
His strike shifted the momentum, forcing Tanzania to chase the game for the remainder of the contest.
Despite their efforts, including late substitutions and a surge in attacking play, the Taifa Stars could not find a breakthrough against Morocco’s disciplined defence.
Yellow cards
The closing few minutes grew increasingly physical, with both teams picking up yellow cards.
Tanzania’s Feisal Salum and Nassor Hamoud were booked in stoppage time, while Morocco also saw Lamlioui and defender Mohamed Moufid cautioned.
During the match, the referee issued a total of 6 yellow cards, but no red cards were shown, despite 17 fouls committed by Tanzania and 16 by Morocco.
By the final whistle, Morocco had managed the game well to secure victory.
End of the road for Kenya and Tanzania
Tanzania’s loss comes hours after Kenya fell at the hands of Madagascar in their CHAN quarterfinal clash.
Both teams, which co-hosted the tournament, put up determined campaigns during the group stages, finishing as winners in their respective groups.
However, their quarter-final opponents proved a challenge too far.
Morocco now advances to the semi-finals, where they will aim to continue their pursuit of a third CHAN title.