Morocco-Tanzania: the figures don’t lie, the Lions are ultra-favorites

On paper, the outcome of the match already seems written. The historical statistics tilt vertiginously in favor of Walid Regragui’s men, who find this Sunday at 5pm, on the pitch of the Moulay Abdellah complex, a team that particularly suits them. Since their first duel in 2010, Morocco has turned Tanzania into a favorite prey, chaining victories, often on overwhelming scores. We remember the 3-0 inflicted during the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire thanks to Saïss, Ounahi and En-Nesyri, or the more recent victory (2-0) during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sealed by goals from Nayef Aguerd and Brahim Díaz.

History only records one misstep: a defeat (3-1) in 2013 during World Cup qualifiers, a setback quickly erased by a series of successes. Even the local team (A’) had won against these same Tanzanians in the quarter-finals of the CHAN on the road to the title. Tanzania, qualified at the last minute for this round as the third of its group with only two points, therefore seems to be the ideal opponent to launch the knockout stages.

However, caution remains in order in the den. If the figures are reassuring, the reality on the ground calls for vigilance. The "Taifa Stars" have proven their ability to cause trouble by holding Tunisia to a draw and posing problems for Nigeria. Walid Regragui knows it: in a knockout match, the past no longer counts at kick-off. While qualification seems promised to the Lions, they will have to avoid the trap of complacency to validate this ticket for the quarter-finals in front of the Rabat public.