AS Tanzania’s Taifa Stars prepare to face Morocco in the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Friday, the stakes could not be higher.

 The two-time champions, Morocco, known for their attacking flair and tactical discipline, present a formidable challenge.

However, Tanzania’s unbeaten run in Group B, coupled with their defensive solidity, offers hope for a historic semi-final berth.

To overcome the Atlas Lions, Tanzania must exploit Morocco’s vulnerabilities while leveraging its strengths.

Here is a tactical blueprint for Taifa Stars to triumph:

Morocco’s Tactical Profile: Attack and Defence 

Morocco, under head coach Tarik Sektioui, typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing attacking dynamism with defensive stability.

Their 3-1 victory over DR Congo showcased their attacking potency, with Oussama Lamlioui scoring twice and Mohamed Rabie Hrimat converting a penalty.

Against Angola (2-0), they dominated possession (41.3%) and created numerous chances through wing play and set-pieces, with Hrimat earning Man of the Match honours. 

Their attack thrives on quick transitions, with wingers like Lamlioui exploiting flanks and central midfielders Hrimat and Khalid Aït Ouarkhane orchestrating play.

Youssef Mehri’s aerial presence adds a threat from corners and crosses. Defensively, Morocco is organised but not impenetrable. 

Their shock 1-0 loss to Kenya exposed vulnerabilities when facing aggressive, high-pressing teams. Despite controlling possession in the second half, they struggled with final-ball accuracy, with shots often going wide or over. 

Kenya’s disciplined backline, and goalkeeper Byrne Omondi’s heroics, frustrated Morocco, highlighting their difficulty breaking down compact defences.

Tanzania can capitalise on this by maintaining a tight defensive structure and disrupting Morocco’s rhythm.

Tanzania’s Tactical Strengths: Group Stage Insights

Tanzania, coached by Hemed Suleiman, topped Group B with an impressive 10 points from three wins and a draw, scoring five goals and conceding just one.

Their 4-4-2 formation emphasises defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. In their 2-0 win over Burkina Faso, Abdul Suleiman ‘Sopu’ and Mohamed Hussein scored, with Feisal Salum earning Man of the Match for his midfield control.

A 1-0 victory against Mauritania, sealed by Shomari Kapombe’s late strike, underscored their ability to stay composed under pressure.

Against Madagascar (2-1), Clement Mzize’s first-half brace highlighted Tanzania’s clinical finishing, though their sole conceded goal exposed occasional lapses in concentration.

Defensively, Tanzania is a fortress, with goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman and defenders like Dickson Job, Ibrahim Hamad, Kapombe and Mohamed Hussein forming a robust backline.

Their midfield, led by Mudathir Yahya and Yusuph Kagoma, as well as Salum, excels at breaking up play and initiating transitions.

However, Suleiman has noted the need for a greater attacking threat, as Tanzania created limited chances against Mauritania.

Their counter-attacking style, driven by forwards Mzize and Abdul Sopu, will be key against Morocco’s possession-based approach.

Tactical Blueprint to Defeat Morocco- Neutralise Morocco’s Wing Play:

Morocco’s attack hinges on wingers like Lamlioui, who stretch defences with pace and crosses.

Tanzania’s full-backs, Kapombe and Hussein, must maintain tight marking and prevent crosses into the box, where Mehri is a danger.

Doubling up on the flanks with wingers like Iddi Nado dropping back can limit Morocco’s width.

Compact Midfield Block

Morocco’s midfield trio of Hrimat, Aït Ouarkhane, and Assal thrives on short passing and movement.

Tanzania should deploy Yahya and Kagoma in a double pivot to press high and disrupt Morocco’s build-up. Forcing long balls will expose Morocco’s centre-backs, who struggled against Kenya’s physicality.

Exploit Set-Piece Opportunities

Morocco’s defence has shown weakness in aerial duels, as seen in their missed headers against Kenya.

Tanzania should target set-pieces, with Kapombe and Hussein delivering crosses for Mzize and Suleiman to exploit. Practising quick, rehearsed routines could catch Morocco off guard.

Counter-Attack with Precision

Tanzania’s strength lies in rapid transitions. Mzize’s pace and Sopu's finishing can punish Morocco’s high defensive line, especially if they overcommit.

Salum and Yahya’s ability to hit long balls to the forwards will be crucial in bypassing Morocco’s midfield press.

Maintain Defensive Discipline

Tanzania’s near-impervious defence must remain organised to frustrate Morocco’s attackers. Keeper Yakoub Suleiman's shot-stopping and centre back pairing and leadership of Job and Hamad will be vital in repelling Morocco’s waves of attacks, particularly in the second half when Sektioui often introduces attacking substitutes like Sabir Bougrine.

Key Players to Watch for Tanzania and Morocco

Mzize’s goal-scoring instincts and Yahya’s midfield dynamism will drive the attack, while Manula’s goalkeeping heroics could be decisive.

For Morocco, Hrimat’s playmaking and Lamlioui’s wing threat are critical, but their over-reliance on these players could be exploited if Tanzania neutralises them early.

Tanzania’s disciplined 4-4-2, combined with their counter-attacking prowess and defensive resilience, gives them a fighting chance against Morocco.

By stifling Morocco’s wing play, pressing their midfield, and capitalising on set-pieces and counters, Taifa Stars can upset the odds.

With the home crowd at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium roaring for Tanzania on, the team has an opportunity to make history and sail through to the 2024 CHAN semi-finals.