Tanzania’s dream run at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 came to a gallant end on Friday night, as two-time champions Morocco relied on a moment of ruthlessness to secure a 1-0 victory in front of a charged Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The Taifa Stars, making their first-ever appearance in the CHAN quarter-finals, matched Morocco stride for stride for much of the encounter, but a 65th-minute strike from Oussama Lamlaoui proved the difference in a match that tested both sides’ resolve.
Taifa Stars rise but fall short
Backed by a sea of yellow and green, Tanzania played with the same energy and fearlessness that had carried them unbeaten through the group stage. Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum repeatedly stretched Morocco’s backline, only to be denied by the alert goalkeeping of El Mehdi Al Harrar.
The hosts refused to be intimidated by Morocco’s pedigree, pressing high and attacking with urgency. Substitute Nassor Saadun nearly sent the stadium into raptures late on, but his strike sailed narrowly over, leaving Tanzania agonisingly short of a historic breakthrough.
Morocco’s composure shines through
If Tanzania played with heart, Morocco countered with experience. Patient and organised, the Atlas Lions absorbed pressure before striking clinically. Youssef Belammari’s clever cut-back created the opening for Lamlaoui, whose third goal of the tournament was tucked away with the composure of a striker used to such occasions.
Even without key defenders Bouchaib El Arsi, Marouane El Ouedni, and Abdelhak Assal, Morocco showed why they remain the most consistent force in CHAN history, recording their seventh straight knockout win since 2014.
Tanzania leave with pride, Morocco chase history
For Tanzania, elimination came with dignity rather than despair. Hamad Suleiman’s men conceded just twice in five matches, topped their group, and ignited nationwide excitement around local football. Their run may have ended, but it set a new standard for East African teams on the continental stage.
Morocco, meanwhile, march on in pursuit of a third CHAN crown after their triumphs in 2018 and 2020. Coach Tarik Sektioui will know sterner tests await, but his side’s ability to blend patience with precision makes them serious contenders for another title.
