* As hosts, buoyed by passionate home support, Morocco move forward with lofty ambitions — yet coach Walid Regragui has consistently reminded his players that the hardest part of the journey begins now
* Morocco are a heavyweight of African football, but we believe in our strengths but we are not here to admire anyone — it’s 11 against 11–captain Mbwana Samatta
* Tanzania’s only victory over Morocco dates back to the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers — a 3–1 home win on March 24, 2013 in Dar es Salaam
* Their most recent meeting came in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals on August 22, 2025 in which Morocco edged the co-hosts Tanzania 1-0 on their way to lifting the title
Maravi Express
As hosts, Morocco is taking on Tanzania this evening at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat (18h00) in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON), carrying the status of clear favorites, but with one guiding principle firmly in mind — humility.
Advertisement
Against Tanzania, who have qualified for the knockout phases for the first time in their history, the Atlas Lions are fully aware that the AfCON punishes any lapse in concentration or excess of confidence.
As hosts, buoyed by passionate home support, Morocco move forward with lofty ambitions — yet, head coach Walid Regragui has consistently reminded his players that the hardest part of the journey begins now.
For the Moroccan tactician, the group stage is already history. Knockout football, however, brings a different reality — one where margins are thinner and mistakes often decisive.
“AfCON is won as much with the mind as with the legs,” Regragui has repeatedly stressed, warning his squad of the dangers posed by a disciplined, fearless opponent playing without pressure.
Walid Regragui
Morocco continue their pursuit of a continental crown that has eluded them since 1976. Nearly five decades of waiting fuel both expectation and caution and on several occasions, the Atlas Lions have been undone by supposedly less-fancied opponents, victims of mental lapses rather than a lack of quality.
This time, Regragui is determined to break that cycle. The presence of experienced leaders strengthens that resolve. At the back, Achraf Hakimi and Romain Saïss provide valuable reassurance, tactically and psychologically.
A respected captain, Saïss embodies the team’s commitment to focus on what truly matters: “We know what this match represents. At this stage, there are no favourites. Only teams fighting to survive.
“Any lack of humility or concentration will be punished immediately,” the central defender warned. “The hardest part begins now. It’s simple — you win and you go through, or the journey ends.
“There are no calculations anymore — we must stay focused and pursue our objectives. Tanzania are not an easy team to face, and it’s up to us to show our value on the pitch.”
Romain Saïss
Across the pitch, Tanzania are savouring a historic first qualification for the AfCON Round of 16 — a landmark achievement already, but one the Taifa Stars refuse to treat as a mere anecdote.
At the helm, Miguel Ángel Gamondi brings deep knowledge of Moroccan football. The Argentin coach spent many years working in Morocco, managing several top-flight clubs. His familiarity with the environment, crowd pressure and tactical culture could prove invaluable.
That insight underpins Tanzania’s preparation, built on defensive discipline, quick transitions and collective organization, an approach shaped by a team playing under no pressure.
Captain Mbwana Samatta, expected to lead Tanzania in the hunt for goals in Rabat reflects that quiet ambition: “We have great respect for Morocco, especially at home, but we are not here to admire anyone — it’s 11 against 11, and we want to show that Tanzania deserve to be at this level.
“We have cards to play. Morocco are a heavyweight of African football, but we believe in our strengths. We trust our qualities to upset the odds and prove that our presence at this stage is no coincidence.”
Mbwana Samatta
Tanzania’s only victory over Morocco dates back to the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers — a 3–1 home win on March 24, 2013 in Dar es Salaam through goals from Thomas Ulimwengu and a Samatta brace sealed, while Youssef El Arabi scored a late consolation for Morocco.
The return leg in June 2013 ended in a 2–1 win for the Atlas Lions, though neither side qualified for the Brazil finals while their most recent meeting came in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 on August 22, 2025.
Morocco edged the co-hosts Tanzania 1-0 on their way to lifting the title — with Oussama Lamlioui scoring the decisive goal in the 65th minute.—Reporting by CAFonline; edited by Maravi Express
Advertisement