Don't Sleep on Tanzania: Morocco's Legend Warns as Kaabi Lights Up the Field
2 January 2026
Morocco's Legend Urges Respect for Tanzania Ahead of AFCON Knockout
Mustapha Hajji, a Moroccan football icon, stressed the importance of not underestimating Tanzania ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
Morocco will face Tanzania this Sunday in the AFCON knockout stage, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
In exclusive remarks to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Hajji noted that Tanzania is not among Africa's, quote, strongest sides, but it possesses a fast attacking line.
We must approach the match seriously, because football defies logic and surprises can still happen, so there is no room for complacency against Tanzania.
Hajji added that Morocco's chances to win AFCON are significant, but the road ahead remains challenging due to strong African teams.
He also pointed out Ayoub Kaabi, Morocco's forward, who routinely shines with acrobatic finishes, a style that sets him apart.
Kaabi had already scored a bicycle-kick goal against Comoros and repeated the feat against Zambia.
Punchline 1: If football were a chess match, Tanzania would be the knights—always hopping into counterattacks.
Punchline 2: Morocco’s defense is so tight, even a laser pointer would blink and surrender.
