Morocco strikes first against Tanzania

Oussama Lamlloui has ignited Moroccan celebrations in Dar es Salaam after netting a crucial goal against Tanzania in their African Nations Championship quarter-final clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The forward’s strike has tilted the game firmly in Morocco’s favour, placing the Atlas Lions with one foot in the semi-finals.

The moment was met with thunderous cheers from Moroccan fans inside the stadium, while home supporters were left stunned into silence.

Tanzania, who had matched Morocco’s intensity for much of the contest, will now be forced to chase the game in front of their home crowd. For Morocco, the goal represents both relief and momentum, as they edge closer to another continental semi-final berth.

With the atmosphere electric and the stakes high, all eyes are on whether the hosts can rally or if Morocco will hold firm to book their spot in the last four.

History of Morocco in CHAN

The Atlas Lions won the previous editions in 2018 and 2020, sharing the CHAN title record with DR Congo.

Since making their CHAN debut in 2014, Morocco has appeared in five editions — 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 — but did not take part in the 2022 tournament.

Ranked 12th in the FIFA world rankings, the team is led by coach Tarik Sektioui and is seeking to continue its dominant continental form.

Morocco became the first host nation to win CHAN in 2018 and also made history as the first country to win back-to-back titles.

The team is coached by Tarik Sektioui.

This year’s tournament started on August 2 and will run until August 30.

CHAN, short for Championnat d’Afrique des Nations — or African Nations Championship in English — features top domestic league players competing for continental glory.