Morocco and Cameroon secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after contrasting but equally hard-fought Round of 16 victories on Sunday.
In Rabat, tournament favourites Morocco saw off a resilient Tanzania side with a narrow 1-0 win.
After a goalless first half that included a disallowed effort for offside, the Atlas Lions finally made the breakthrough in the 64th minute when Brahim Díaz finished calmly after being set up by Achraf Hakimi.
Walid Regragui’s side dominated possession and chances, managing the game professionally thereafter to record another clean sheet and continue their strong tournament run.
Cameroon followed by defeating South Africa 2-1 in an entertaining encounter.
After surviving early pressure, the Indomitable Lions struck first in the 34th minute when Junior Tchamadeu capitalised on a loose ball from a corner to score his maiden international goal.
Cameroon doubled their lead shortly after the restart as Christian Kofane headed home from close range.
South Africa pushed hard and pulled one back late through Evidence Makgopa, but Cameroon held firm to advance, backed by a series of key saves from goalkeeper Devis Epassy.
With these results, both Morocco and Cameroon move into the last eight as the knockout stage of AFCON continues to deliver high-stakes drama.
