When Drama Meets the Striker's Net: Tanzania's Coach Laments After a Narrow AFCON Exit to Morocco
4 January 2026
Match recap
The Tanzania head coach, Miguel Angel Gamondi, expressed deep disappointment after their 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
Morocco secured the win with a goal by Ibrahim Diaz, taking the lead and holding on in a tightly contested match.
In stoppage time, Tanzania pressed for a penalty after a fall inside the box. The referee consulted VAR but ruled no foul and remained in contact with the video room.
Gamondi said after the game that he was not happy with some referee decisions, but that this is part of the game. He added that he was proud of his players' performance against the strongest team in Africa, in front of about 70,000 Moroccan fans.
He also noted that Tanzania delivered a great show against Africa's best and that the effort should not be forgotten despite the officiating.
Post-match reaction
Gamondi commented that the team performed with quality against Africa's best, and that the loss does not diminish their effort or the result.
Punchline 1: If emotions counted as goals, Tanzania would be world champions of drama.
Punchline 2: If officiating were a cuisine, this match would come with extra popcorn from the VAR booth.
