In the framework of the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco, the Atlas Lions will meet the Tanzanian national team in a highly anticipated match that will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM Moroccan time.
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Time: 17:00 (Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria time)
Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdallah Complex, Rabat
Stage: Round of 16 (Sudden Death)
The Moroccan national team qualified as the leader of Group A with a strong performance, achieving significant victories, the most notable being a 3-0 win over Zambia in the final round. As for Tanzania, it has achieved a historic feat by reaching the knockout stage for the first time in 45 years, having finished third in Group C with only two points, benefiting from the best third-place system.
History Smiles at the Atlas Lions
The Moroccan national team has a clear historical advantage over Tanzania, having won 7 of the 8 previous encounters between the two teams, and they have not conceded any goals in the last 4 matches. The last official meeting was in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Morocco won 3-0. The Moroccan team, led by coach Walid Regragui, relies on stars like Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Brahim Diaz to achieve their second title in the tournament on home soil, after an absence since 1976.
As for the stars of Tanzania, they are led by captain Mbwana Samatta and Faisal Salum, who hope to create a historical surprise in front of the massive support from Moroccans.
Morocco is considered a strong contender to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of South Africa and Cameroon. However, Tanzania has shown defensive solidity in the group stage, which may make the match more exciting.
