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Morocco ended Tanzania’s impressive journey in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a narrow 1-0 victory in Dar es Salaam on Friday, securing a spot in the semi-finals for the third time in the tournament’s history. The defeat for the Taifa Stars, coming on the same day as Kenya’s elimination, means both co-hosts ( bar Uganda) have now exited the competition.
Played before a vibrant crowd at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Atlas Lions used their experience to control the match against the enthusiastic home team.
The match was a closely contested tactical battle until Oussama Lamlaoui scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute. He capitalized on a clever assist from Youssef Belammari, who made a smart run into the box and squared the ball for a clinical finish. This was Lamlaoui’s third goal of the tournament.
Prior to the goal, Tanzania, fueled by their unbeaten group stage run, had created several scoring opportunities through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum. However, they were repeatedly denied by Morocco’s in-form goalkeeper, El Mehdi Al Harrar. Despite missing key defenders, Morocco gradually found their rhythm and seized the crucial moment.
The Taifa Stars fought hard for an equalizer. Mzize nearly scored with a header from a Mohamed Hussein cross, and substitute Nassor Saadun narrowly missed the target with a late shot. As stoppage time began, the excitement in the stadium reached a fever pitch, but Morocco’s defense, anchored by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm against the mounting pressure.
Though their dream of becoming the first debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semi-finals was cut short, Tanzania’s performance will be remembered as their best showing on the continental stage.
For Morocco, this match showcased their pedigree as two-time champions. Coach Tarik Sektioui’s squad displayed remarkable composure, absorbing pressure and taking their chance when it mattered most. This victory also marks Morocco’s seventh consecutive win in CHAN knockout stages since 2014, solidifying their reputation as one of the tournament’s most formidable teams.
Tanzania can be proud of a groundbreaking campaign. After topping Group B and reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, Hamad Suleiman’s team showed great organization, spirit, and resilience throughout the tournament. Their defensive record—conceding just two goals in five games—was among the best in the competition, and the passionate support in Dar es Salaam highlighted the nation’s growing enthusiasm for football.
Morocco will now focus on the semi-finals, hoping to replicate their championship wins from 2018 and 2020. Meanwhile, while Tanzania’s journey ends here, their performance has set a new standard for future generations and instilled hope in East African football.
