Morocco Sneaks Through AFCON Quarterfinals, Sparking Debate Over Performance
4 January 2026
Performance in Question, Progress in Sight
Famous Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji says the Moroccan national team qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals without delivering a convincing performance.
Morocco reached the quarterfinals, hosted on home soil in front of their fans, after a 1-0 victory over Tanzania on Sunday evening.
Derradji wrote on X: "The Moroccan team reaches the CAN quarterfinals without convincing, after a hard-fought victory over the modest Tanzanian side by a single goal, amid mounting media and public pressure on the Atlas Lions."
The mounting public and media pressure is starting to affect the team's display, especially in knockout ties.
Derradji also noted that the absence of the heartbeat of the side, Azzedine Ounahi, due to injury was felt, though captain Hakimi's presence was technically and morally beneficial as they await upcoming matches. Congratulations to Moroccan fans.
Punchline: If winning ugly were an art, Morocco just hung a Monet in the Louvre.
Punchline: The Atlas Lions prove you don't need a roar to win—just a sniper's aim and a decent haircut.
