Tanzania’s inspiring journey at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 came to a valiant end on Friday night, as Morocco edged past the Taifa Stars with a narrow 1-0 victory at the electrifying Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Unbeaten in the group stage and brimming with belief, Tanzania pushed relentlessly for a historic semi-final berth, only to be undone by a moment of Moroccan brilliance. In the 65th minute, Youssef Belammari sliced through the Tanzanian defense with a darting run and delivered a pinpoint square ball to Oussama Lamlaoui, who calmly slotted home his third goal of the tournament, leaving goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman with no chance.
Until that breakthrough, the match had been evenly balanced, with Tanzania pressing high and creating promising chances through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum. However, Morocco’s goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar stood tall, commanding his box and denying every attempt with poise. As the game wore on, Morocco—two-time CHAN champions—gradually asserted control, with Lamlaoui emerging as a persistent threat. Despite the setback, Tanzania refused to fold. Mzize nearly equalized with a powerful header from Mohamed Hussein’s cross, and substitute Nassor Saadun fired narrowly over in stoppage time, but Morocco’s defense, marshaled by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm under intense pressure.
The defeat dashed Tanzania’s hopes of becoming the first CHAN debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semi-finals, but their campaign will be remembered as a landmark achievement. Under coach Hamad Suleiman, the Taifa Stars topped Group B, conceded just two goals in five matches, and ignited a wave of national pride and support. For Morocco, the win reinforced their tournament pedigree. Despite missing key defenders Bouchaib El Arsi, Marouane El Ouedni, and Abdelhak Assal, coach Tarik Sektioui’s side showed tactical discipline and extended their remarkable streak to seven consecutive knockout-stage victories at CHAN since 2014.
With Tanzania and co-hosts Kenya both bowing out within hours of each other, Uganda now stands as East Africa’s final hope. The Cranes are set to face defending champions Senegal at Namboole Stadium in Kampala, while Algeria and Sudan clash in the other quarter-final. As the tournament intensifies, CHAN 2024 continues to deliver drama, passion, and unforgettable moments across the region.