At the heart of a chaotic day featuring two of the tournament’s favorites — and host nations — Morocco and Cameroon, both teams secured their tickets to the next round. As a result, the second quarterfinal matchup is now confirmed.
Morocco win amid controversy
Morocco can thank two things today: Tanzanian wastefulness and Brahim Díaz.
First, Tanzanian inefficiency. In a match where Morocco dominated possession, Tanzania were the more dangerous side. Msuva missed a golden opportunity with an open goal, and in the 56th minute, Msanga showed similarly astonishing wastefulness, sparing Morocco the embarrassment of falling behind at home.
In the 63rd minute, Morocco were finally relieved thanks to their best player, Brahim Díaz. With a magnificent feint, the Real Madrid attacker finished calmly with his right foot to score the only goal of the match.
At the 90th minute, a final twist of fate buried Tanzania’s hopes. As a Tanzanian player raced toward the Moroccan goal, Massina clipped him from behind. The referee chose not to consult VAR and stood by his highly controversial decision — one that ultimately saved Morocco. Without shining, Morocco move on.
Cameroon deliver
A genuine outsider of this Africa Cup of Nations and a team clearly on the rise, South Africa disappointed massively and were eliminated. The last tournament’s semifinalists could not overcome an impressive Cameroon side — bold, technical, and daring.
After a strong start, the Bafana Bafana dropped deeper and allowed the Indomitable Lions to dictate play. From a poorly cleared corner by the South African defense, Tchamadeu ignited the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.
After the break, with a brilliant Bryan Mbeumo pulling the strings, the Lions doubled their lead through the revelation of the tournament, Christian Kofane. Hugo Broos’ men were overwhelmed and only woke up too late, pulling one back through a late Makcopa goal.
