On Friday night, Tanzania suffered a 1-0 loss against Morocco in the quarterfinals of 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN)
Morocco have won the CHAN title two times, 2018 and 2020, sharing the record of most wins with Democratic Republic of Congo, who already exited this year’s edition of the tournament in the group stages.

On Friday night, Taifa Stars suffered a 1-0 loss against Morocco in the quarterfinals of 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). The defeat brought to an end their historic run in the tournament which only features players that ply their trade in domestic leagues.

Tanzania made it to the quarterfinals of CHAN 2024 after finishing top of Group B. Hamad Suleiman’s side showed great organization, conceding just one goal throughout the group stages.

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The co-hosts head momentum heading into the quarterfinal tie against Morocco at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Despite playing well and creating several chances, it was the Atlas Lions who emerged victorious, thanks to striker Oussama Lamlaoui only goal of the match shortly after the start of the second half.

Tanzania vs Morocco — Tanzania were knocked out of CHAN 2024 by Morocco in the quarterfinals stage. The co-hosts suffered a narrow 1-0 loss against the North Atlas giants. Photo/ CAF Online.

Morocco’s experience at the top stage played a massive role in their win over Tanzania. The North African giants have won the CHAN title two times, 2018 and 2020, sharing the record of most wins with Democratic Republic of Congo, who already exited this year’s edition of the tournament in the group stages.

Morocco’s victory over Tanzania on Friday night marked a seventh consecutive victory in the knockout stages of CHAN since 2014. The Atlas Lions will now prepare for a semifinal clash with the aim of making it to the final. They’ve played in four editions of CHAN – 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020. They did not take part in the 2022 tournament despite securing a spot.

Morocco, the first nation to win CHAN as hosts, are also the only country to win the tournament back-to-back. The team, which is led by coach Tarik Sektioui is ranked 12th in the FIFA world rankings and triumph at this year’s CHAN will only solidify their status as one of the best national teams in the football world.

How The Atlas Lions Beat Taifa Stars

The home crowd at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar were roaring ahead of the kick-off to motivate Taifa Stars. However, that did not stop Morocco from causing chaos in Tanzania’s box early on. The Atlas Lions looked threatening and created chances which they somehow failed to convert.

Tanzania gradually grew into the contest and matched Morocco’s intensity. Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum had golden opportunities to put the home side in front but Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar did well to ensure the game remained tied.

The decisive moment of the match arrived in the 65th minute when Belammari sprinted into the box and then squared the ball to Lamlaoui who tapped the ball into the empty net. The goal turned out to be a wake up call for Tanzania who pressed high with the aim of find an equalizer.

Taifa Stars reach the knockouts of CHAN 2024 after finishing top of their group with ten points. They impressed with three wins and one draw. Photo/ Foot Africa,.

The noise at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium rose in the dying minutes of the game but Morocco defended well to secure their 1-0 narrow lead until the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the match.

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Tanzania’s dream of becoming the first debutant nation since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semifinal of CHAN came to an end in a heartbreaking manner. Nevertheless, they exit with pride and their display at the tournament will motivate the younger generations to always give their all in big stages.