Tanzania bowed out of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Round of 16 following a slim 1–0 defeat to tournament hosts Morocco on Sunday in Rabat
However, the Taifa Stars left the pitch with their heads held high after a performance that won admiration across the continent.
Facing a Moroccan side stacked with European-based stars and backed by a fervent home crowd, Tanzania delivered one of their most disciplined and tactically mature displays in recent history.
Although Morocco ultimately progressed courtesy of Brahim Díaz’s decisive second-half strike, the North Africans were forced to dig deep against opponents many had predicted would fold under pressure.
Gamondi: “The gap is not as big as people think”
At full-time, Tanzania head coach Ángel Gamondi was emotional, proud, and defiant in equal measure.
“I am so proud of what my team produced. So proud of my players, both in their attitude and tactically.
“They showed that the gap between Morocco and us is not as big as people think.
“We will come back stronger, I am convinced of that.”Gamondi’s words captured the mood of a team that refused to be intimidated by reputation, ranking, or venue.
His tactical setup frustrated Morocco for long spells, particularly in the first half where the Atlas Lions enjoyed 70% of possession but struggled to break down Tanzania’s compact defensive block.
A night of resilience and tactical disciplineTanzania’s 4-5-1 structure morphed fluidly into a 4-1-4-1 out of possession, with midfielder Himid Mao anchoring the base to cut passing lanes into Morocco’s creative hubs.
Wingers Mudathir Yahya and Simon Msuva dropped deep when needed, creating a double line of resistance that left Morocco shooting from distance rather than penetrating centrally.
The Taifa Stars were also brave in moments they regained the ball, looking to transition quickly and exploit space behind Morocco’s adventurous full-backs.
Though clear chances were limited, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was forced into alert action twice after sharp counter breaks.
The turning point came in the 68th minute when Brahim Díaz ghosted into space between Tanzania’s midfield and defense before firing a low, clinical finish beyond goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
Despite the setback, Tanzania did not unravel. Instead, they pushed forward in the final 15 minutes, drawing cheers from even Moroccan supporters for their intent.
Tanzania may have exited AFCON 2025, but they announced themselves — loudly — as a team Africa should no longer underestimate.
dicektuyz
4
Perhaps you could mention the way ref was adamant to go for a VAR check for a clear penalty for Taifa Stars. Moroccan players were not given yellow cards, with similar faults by Taifa star players. This ref should be removed from the job for ever. Shame shame shame to him
G-debruyne
0
This app is drunk ngl
Puscdiklsu
0
Yani brother weacha tu huyo refarii angekuwa huku Tanzania wangempinga mawe nakuwambiya ya wametunyima penalty yawazi kabisa
Respect TAIFA STARS 😎
seaekntuyz
1
What game were you watching! You mentioned some of the Tanzanian players who Didn't even travel with the Squad
Zondeikost
0
Yani brother weacha tu huyo refarii angekuwa huku Tanzania wangempinga mawe nakuwambiya ya wametunyima penalty yawazi kabisa
Bora uongee kilugha cha kwetu kutoa ya moyoni
Zondeikost
0
Hahaha, what game are you guys analysing? Aishi Manula, Mudathir yahya didn't participate, let alone not travelling with the team to AFCON 2025 even the formation was 343 still, you had to mention that favoritism to the host
Hahahaaa
wendepsuyz
1
Hahaha, what game are you guys analysing? Aishi Manula, Mudathir yahya didn't participate, let alone not travelling with the team to AFCON 2025 even the formation was 343 still, you had to mention that favoritism to the host
heyklnpr
3
This app is a joke Mentioning players that didn’t even travel to Morocco Even ignoring to mention the taifa stars robbery
Zuocikmopr
0
This referee should not be going to the World Cup 2026,I don’t know what country he from he need to quit referring,shame on you.
He is from Mali
vecabcky
1
This referee should not be going to the World Cup 2026,I don’t know what country he from he need to quit referring,shame on you.
Popabiklz
0
Not believing that you are deliberately ignoring to mention the fact that Morocco had the extra advantage of owning match officials 😡😡
yehbdlpsyz
1
Morocco had an added advantage the referee
Puscdiklsu
1
Yani brother weacha tu huyo refarii angekuwa huku Tanzania wangempinga mawe nakuwambiya ya wametunyima penalty yawazi kabisa
sinabklou
0
VINIJR.
Muzelmnoy
0
Yaan huyo refarii wa Mali mshenzi Sana bila haya yeye na Hao wenzake wa VAR wameinyima taifa stars penalty ya wazi kabisaa kwenye dakila za nyongeza
Muzelmnoy
0
taifa stars loose game because of mutherfu*ker referee.... The corrupted referee.... The stupid ones....!! Shame to African referring...!!
That Malian or burkinafaso referee killed taifa stars, he denied a clear penalty he and his var ,caf should look to this kind of referee, they brought shame in this big African tournament
wezabdkluy
2
wajinga nyie majina mnayotaja hata hawajacheza
vebbcdmz
0
That was a robbery
evadis
1
Mbona wamekosea had majina ya wachezaji wengine hwp kbs maanula hjchez leo
taoaeortyz
2
taifa stars loose game because of mutherfu*ker referee.... The corrupted referee.... The stupid ones....!! Shame to African referring...!!
Woyeikopy
2
poor poor referee,waarabu ni mbwaa bila kubebwa mgeona cha moto na huyo referee went nyau ninyi
Runekprt
1
poor referee shame on him
MbokoPikin
1
With that penalty awarded at the end the game would have been another story. Ref was really poor
jipilmnoz
3
💪💪 poor referee decision