Sunday, January 4
*Morocco Vs Tanzania – 7pm
*South Africa Vs Cameroon – 10pm
Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta believes his side has what it takes to cause an upset against Hosts Morocco as the two sides face off in the Round of 16 clash on Sunday at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
The Taifa Stars picked a 1-1 draw in their last group C match to finish third, enough to qualify for the knockout phase.
That, was the first time for the Taifa Stars to go past the groups after three failed attempts in 1980, 2019 and 2023.
“We have cards to play. Morocco are a heavyweight of African football, but we believe in our strengths,” said Samatta.
“We trust our qualities to upset the odds and prove that our presence at this stage is no coincidence.”
Tanzania started the campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria Super Eagles and had to ride their luck against Uganda Cranes after they conceded a late penalty which Allan Okello skied as the game ended 1-1.
Against Tunisia, they also collected a point to finish third with two points and with a decent goal difference.
With two top teams and four of the six third placed teams also going through, Tanzania reached this stage as one of the best third placed sides.
It has been a remarkable milestone for the Country that appointed Angel Miguel Gamondi in November, to replace Hemed Suleiman weeks to the tournament.
And they will hope to use their underdog status to extend their fairytale run against a Moroccan side searching for their maiden AFCON title since 1976.
Tanzania’s only victory over Morocco dates back to the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifier; a 3–1 home win on 24 March 2013 in Dar es Salaam