Brahim Diaz, named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, admitted the challenge posed by Tanzania was the sternest Morocco have faced so far in the competition.
“The competition is growing in intensity, and we have just faced our toughest opposition so far,” Brahim Diaz told CAF. “Not everything worked, we know that, but fortunately, we managed to secure our qualification. Now, we will go back to work to be fully ready for the quarter-finals.”
Tanzania head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi cut a proud figure despite his side’s exit, praising his players’ discipline and belief against one of Africa’s heavyweights.
“I am so proud of what my team produced, both in their attitude and tactically,” Gamondi said. “They showed that the gap between Morocco and us is not as big as people think. We will come back stronger, and I am convinced of that.”
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Morocco head coach Walid Regragui acknowledged his side’s early struggles but was satisfied with the response shown in the second half, stressing that progression was the priority at this stage of the tournament.
“The first half was not good, but I recognised my team much more in the second half,” Regragui said. “The most important thing is qualification.”
However, the victory came at a cost, with Regragui confirming that midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after picking up an injury in training.
“We are losing an exceptional player and a leader in our dressing room,” he added. “But we will continue to fight for him.”
Morocco now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, aware that tougher tests lie ahead in a tournament that continues to underline the narrowing gap between Africa’s established powers and the continent’s emerging challengers.
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