AFCON 2025: the Lions of the Atlas face Tanzania for a quarter-final within reach
The road to the title is becoming clearer for the Lions of the Atlas. Having qualified with authority for the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Moroccan national team will face Tanzania this Sunday, January 4, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, in a highly anticipated knockout duel. Organized in Morocco until January 18, this AFCON is already taking on the look of a major continental event, and Walid Regragui’s men approach this first do-or-die match with the status of favorites, carried by a solid group stage campaign.
Leaders of Group A with seven points, Morocco displayed strong collective control: two convincing victories against Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0), before a hard-fought draw against Mali (1-1). An opening phase marked by defensive discipline, attacking efficiency and calm management of both strong periods and more contested moments.
On the other side, Tanzania secured qualification by finishing third in Group C, with two draws and one defeat, for a total of two points. A combative and disciplined team, capable of causing problems, notably through its physical commitment and organization, but which will have to significantly raise its level against an opponent of this stature.
In front of its home crowd, in an iconic venue of national football, Morocco will have the opportunity to confirm its ambitions and take another step toward a long-awaited continental title. While the hierarchy seems clear on paper, caution remains necessary: in knockout stages, the AFCON often delivers its share of surprises.
In Rabat this Sunday, the Lions of the Atlas will be playing for more than just a round of 16 match. They will be defending a status, a momentum and the hope of an entire people, determined to see the continental trophy remain on their soil.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
