World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 25, 2025 at 9.30pm UK

Stade Municipal

Morocco vs Tanzania

Match preview

Morocco extended their unbeaten run in qualifying with a hard-fought 2-1 away win over Niger, although it was far from an easy encounter for the North Africans.

After a goalless first half in which the Atlas Lions hit the post, Niger took the lead two minutes after the restart when Youssouf Oumarou capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to score from close range.

PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari levelled the scores 12 minutes later with a composed finish at the far post, before Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss sealed all three points with a close-range header in the first minute of stoppage time.

The result extended Morocco's unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 matches, with nine wins in a row and 22 goals scored and just two conceded in their last five outings.

Next up for Walid Regragui's men is a home clash with Tanzania - an opponent they have historically dominated, winning five of their six previous meetings and losing just once.

Tanzania, meanwhile, were due to play Congo in their last match on 17 March, but the match was cancelled after FIFA suspended the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) on 6 February for government interference.

As a result, Congo lost all their remaining qualifying matches, leaving Taifa Stars on six points, level with second-placed Niger after three games.

With the four best runners-up progressing to the play-off stage, the race for second place in Group E remains wide open and Tanzania will see a positive result in Morocco as a major boost to their qualification hopes.

The visitors will be playing their fourth World Cup qualifier against the Atlas Lions and will be hoping to channel the spirit of their 3-1 win in 2013 as they look to pull off another upset.

Recent Performance

Morocco World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WWWW

Morocco form (all competitions):WWWWWW

Tanzania World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WLW

Tanzania form (all competitions):LLWWLL

Team News

Brahim Diaz played a key role in both of Morocco's goals against Niger and will once again be the main creative force in the absence of the injured Hakim Ziyech.

Youssef En-Nesyri will lead the line and look to add to his goal tally, while match-winners Saibari and El Khannous - both of whom came off the bench to score last time out - could be rewarded with starts on Tuesday.

Tanzania head coach Hemed Suleiman has named a 24-man squad for the trip to Morocco, with new faces such as defender Miraji Abdallah and midfielder Yakoub Suleiman receiving call-ups.

However, first-choice goalkeeper Aishi Manula has been left out due to a lack of playing time at Simba SC, while captain Mbwana Samatta is ruled out through injury.

Possible starting lineup

Morocco possible starting lineup:

Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, Yamiq, Hakimi; Amrabat, Ounahi, Seghir; Diaz, En-Nesyri, Rahimi

Tanzania possible starting lineup:

Suleiman; Kapombe, Job, Hamad, Mohamed; Yahya, Bitegeko, Salum; Mzize, Hussein, Mzuva