Morocco's Knockout Preview: Saiss Out, Defense Locks In Against Tanzania
1 January 2026
AFCON Knockout Preview: Morocco vs Tanzania
The Moroccan national team continued preparations for Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations knockout clash with Tanzania.
According to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, veteran defender Romain Saiss will miss the game due to injury.
The 35-year-old was hurt in Morocco’s opener against Comoros, which the Atlas Lions won 2-0.
With Saiss not fully recovered, coach Walid Regragui is set to field Nayef Aguerd and Adam Masina in defense.
Morocco topped Group A with seven points to reach the last 16.
Injury Update and Tanzania's Progress
Meanwhile Tanzania advanced to the knockout stage by finishing third with two points, securing one of the four best third-placed spots.
Fans hope Saiss recovers quickly, or the defense might resemble a DIY guardrail.
Punchline 1: If defense were a password, Morocco would have changed it to 'Locksmith-Pro'.
Punchline 2: And if injuries were a rumor, Saiss would still be benched—call it strategic rest with dramatic flair.
