Morocco ended Tanzania’s historic debut run at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a narrow 1-0 victory in Dar es Salaam on Friday, booking their place in the semi-finals for the third time in the tournament’s history.
In front of a packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Atlas Lions drew on their experience to silence a passionate home crowd.
Striker Oussama Lamlaoui delivered the decisive blow in the 65th minute, finishing coolly from close range after Youssef Belammari’s clever assist. It was Lamlaoui’s third goal of the competition.
Until then, the match had been evenly contested. Tanzania pressed with energy, creating chances through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, but Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar stood tall. Once ahead, Morocco showed composure, with Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh marshalling the defence against late Taifa Stars pressure.
Despite spirited efforts, including a late header from Mzize and a strike over the bar by substitute Nassor Saadun, Tanzania could not find the breakthrough. Their dream of becoming the first CHAN debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semi-finals was dashed.
For Morocco, the result reaffirmed their pedigree. The two-time champions extended their remarkable record to seven consecutive knockout victories at CHAN since 2014, underlining their consistency even without key defenders.
Co-hosts Tanzania exit with pride after topping their group and reaching the last eight for the first time. Conceding only two goals across five matches, Hamad Suleiman’s side won admiration for their organisation, resilience and the passion they inspired among fans.
Morocco now advance to the semi-finals, chasing a third continental crown after triumphs in 2018 and 2020. For Tanzania, their journey ends, but their campaign has set a new benchmark for East African football.
