Tactical lessons: How Morocco broke Tanzania’s press to book another semi-final

Morocco’s pedigree and tactical nous proved decisive as the two-time champions overcame co-hosts Tanzania 1-0 in Dar es Salaam to reach the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) member Oscar Rabson Mirambo, who analysed the match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, provides the tactical details of swhat transpired during the quarter-final match.

Mirambo told Cafonline.com that the difference came down to Morocco’s ability to handle pressure and Tanzania’s inexperience at this stage.

Experience meets first-timers

“Tanzania had been unbeaten in the group stage and had massive home support,” Mirambo explained.

“But knockout football is different. Morocco have been here before; their mental and tactical preparation was on another level.

"For Tanzania, this was their first-ever quarter-final, and that inexperience showed.”

Despite the feverish atmosphere, Morocco stayed calm, absorbing Tanzania’s early press before striking midway through the second half through Oussama Lamlaoui.

The decisive Moroccan moment

Lamlaoui’s goal after 65 minutes summed up the Atlas Lions’ quality. “It was a first-time finish in a crowded penalty area, taken with composure under pressure,” said Mirambo.

“That comes from technical training and tactical awareness developed over years. It’s a lesson for young African players — these decisive moments don’t just start at senior level, they are instilled from the development phase.”

For coach Tarik Sektioui, it was the execution of a simple but effective plan: defend compactly, wait for the chance, then strike.

Breaking Tanzania’s press

Throughout the game, Morocco showed how experience beats energy. “Even when Tanzania pressed high, Morocco were comfortable,” Mirambo observed.

“Their players found small spaces, used their technical quality, and played through pressure with ease.

That’s why Tanzania’s pressing rarely paid off.”

Morocco’s midfielders repeatedly drew Tanzania into traps, bypassing their press with one or two touches, a demonstration of composure under intensity.

Missing players, same solidity

What impressed the TSG most was Morocco’s cohesion despite missing key defenders. “If you looked only at the performance, you wouldn’t know anyone was missing,” Mirambo explained.

“That’s the power of tactical understanding and chemistry. Morocco’s organisation was so solid that it became almost impossible for Tanzania to score.”

Sektioui praised his squad afterwards, stressing that the team’s unity mattered more than individuals.

Tanzania’s approach questioned

For Tanzania, coach Hemed Suleiman’s strategy of matching Morocco high up the pitch left questions.

“They wanted to go toe-to-toe, pressing high to win the ball and score quickly,” said Mirambo.

“But against Morocco’s quality, it didn’t work. A medium or low block with counterattacks might have given them a better chance.”

Even so, Suleiman defended his players, congratulating them for pushing Morocco to the limit.

Midfield battles decisive

The match was shaped in the middle of the pitch. Tanzania’s trio fought hard, but Morocco denied them progressive passes.

“Morocco allowed Tanzania to feel like they had possession, but they shut down passing lanes,” Mirambo said.

“That’s why Tanzania’s build-up often broke down before reaching the forwards.”

Indeed, Morocco’s winning goal came from a moment when Tanzania’s midfield shape was stretched, leaving gaps for a quick transition.

Tanzania’s learning curve

For Tanzania, elimination came with pride and valuable lessons. “This was their first senior men’s quarter-final in any CAF competition,” Mirambo noted.

“That achievement alone is historic. The takeaway is clear: this should now be their benchmark. In the future, quarter-finals should be the minimum target.”

Though the Taifa Stars fell short, their campaign — unbeaten in the group stage and cheered on by 41,000 fans in Dar es Salaam — has already raised the profile of Tanzanian football.

What next

Morocco now march on to face defending champions Senegal in the semi-finals in Kampala on Tuesday, while Tanzania’s run ends with dignity and optimism.

As Mirambo concluded: “Morocco relied on experience and seized the key moment. Tanzania showed bravery but learned the hard truth: at this level, tactical discipline and experience decide games.”

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