In an anticipated match in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco, the Moroccan national team (Atlas Lions) will host their Tanzanian counterpart (Taifa Stars) on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, starting at 17:00 local time.
Morocco comes as a strong candidate to qualify, being the host and leading Group A with 7 points (two wins and one draw), featuring global stars such as Achraf Hakimi (team captain) and Brahim Diaz, under the management of coach Walid Rekragui. The Lions aspire to achieve their second title in history on home ground, following their historic achievement in the 2022 World Cup.
As for Tanzania, they made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time in 45 years, as one of the best third-placed teams in the groups with only 2 points (two draws against Tunisia and Uganda, and a loss to Nigeria). The team, led by coach Miguel Gamondi and star Mbwana Samatta, relies on fighting spirit and defensive organization to achieve an upset against the hosts.
.
