Morocco’s Atlas Lions are through to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tanzania in their round of 16 clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. 

The hosts were the undisputed favourites coming in the encounter but the Tanzanians tamed Moroccans until the 64th when Brahim Diaz managed to put the ball just beside Hussein Masaranga to score the goal that eventually sent the Morocco to the next round. 

It was the Real Madrid’s man fourth goal at this tournament, becoming the first Moroccan player to score in four consecutive AFCON matches. 

Before Morocco’s goal, Tanzania had the chance to grab a surprising lead after Mohamed Hussein forced goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to make a save from a powerful shot from outside the box.

However, Feisal Salum fired a rebounded opportunity wide off its target at a very close range. 

Inside the closing minutes of the game, Tanzania vehemently protested for a penalty after forward Iddy Nado was visibly pushed by Adam Masina in the box but the centre referee waved the appeal while VAR also refused to intervene. 

The result meant Morocco will continue their push to win the AFCON for the second time-ever on home soil after the North African country last lifted the continental title 50 years ago. 

Morocco will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and Bafana Bafana of South Africa for a place in the semifinals of this year’s tournament.