Tanzania’s fairytale journey at the CHAN PAMOJA 2024 came to a courageous end in Dar es Salaam on Friday night, as Morocco’s experience proved decisive in a narrow 1-0 quarter-final victory.
In front of a thunderous Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Taifa Stars fought with heart and energy, but Oussama Lamlaoui’s 65th-minute strike was enough to send the two-time champions into the last four.
The contest reflected the story of Tanzania’s campaign — fearless, disciplined, and unwilling to be overawed. Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum stretched Morocco’s defence with surging runs, while the home crowd roared with belief until the final whistle. Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar denied the Taifa Stars at key moments, underlining the fine margins at this level.
Despite the heartbreak, Tanzania leave with pride intact. Group winners on debut, they conceded just twice across five matches and stood toe-to-toe with Africa’s most decorated CHAN side. For coach Hamad Suleiman and his men, the journey has shifted perceptions of what Tanzanian football can achieve.
Morocco, meanwhile, showed why they remain tournament specialists. Even without key defenders, Tarik Sektioui’s men absorbed waves of pressure before producing the moment of quality that matters in knockout football. It was their seventh straight knockout win in CHAN since 2014, underscoring their pedigree.
As Morocco eye another semi-final push towards a third continental crown, Tanzania bow out knowing their campaign has inspired a nation and carved a new chapter for East African football.