Sports
Diaz Sends Morocco To AFCON Quarter-Finals
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Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz maintained his goal-a-game record at the Africa Cup of Nations by scoring to take Morocco into the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat on Sunday.
Diaz scored once in each of three group matches, and his 64th-minute strike against the Tanzanians created history as he became the first Moroccan to find the net in four consecutive AFCON matches.
The goal came after Morocco squandered numerous scoring chances while stretching an unbeaten run in competitive and friendly matches to 23. Their last loss was to South Africa at the 2024 AFCON.
Morocco will face South Africa or Cameroon, who meet later on Sunday at a different Rabat venue, in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi set up the last-16 winner for Diaz, while making his first start in the tournament after coming off the bench in a victory over Zambia last Monday.
The 2025 African player of the year suffered a serious ankle injury playing for PSG against Bayern Munich in the Champions League two months ago.
But Morocco lacked Azzedine Ounahi, who arrived at the stadium using crutches and wearing a medical boot on his left foot. Bilal El Khannouss took his place in midfield.
Morocco were favourites for several reasons, including home advantage, the backing of close to 70,000 supporters, and lying 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings.
However, it was Tanzania who had the first chance in the third minute, but Saimon Msuva misconnected with a Selemani Mwalimu cross.
Morocco had the ball in the net after 15 minutes as Ismael Saibari nodded a Abdessamad Ezzalzouli free-kick past goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga.
The assistant referee immediately raised his flag for offside, and a VAR review confirmed that the PSV striker had strayed too far forward.
Ayoub El Kaabi was the next Moroccan to come close, heading over before being injured in a collision with Masaranga. Both players resumed after treatment.
A Diaz shot was too high from the edge of the box and El Kaabi headed wide as the host nation continued their pursuit of the opening goal, but the first half ended goalless.
In a lively start to the second period, Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi headed wide, then, in a rare Tanzanian raid, Feisal ‘Fei Toto’ Salum fired over with only goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to beat.
As Moroccan pressure mounted, Hakimi rifled a free-kick against the crossbar from just outside the box on the hour mark.
A goal seemed inevitable given the relentless pressure from the host nation, and it came thanks to Hakimi and Diaz.
The full-back passed to the forward, who beat Masaranga at his near post with an angled shot from close range.
Arsenal are exploring a deal to sign winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
According to The Athletic, a move for Tzolis would not impact the Gunners’ interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers or an alternative target.
The club’s sporting director, Andrea Bertea, continues to work in the market to strengthen their attack.
Sources believe a deal for Tzolis could be possible for around €40million.
The 24-year-old scored 43 goals for Club Brugge across two seasons, having found the net 23 times for Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2. Bundesliga in 2023-24.
Arsenal are looking to bring in a new left winger, and have inquired about Juventus’ 21-year-old Turkey international Kenan Yildiz.
Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada.
Partey will be unavailable to play in Ghana opening match against Panama in Canada on June 17, access denied.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama on Wednesday in their first Group game at the BMO Field in Toronto.
However, Partey will not be available for the encounter after being unable to travel to Canada, according to The Athletic.
The development comes as a major blow to Ghana’s preparations, with the former Arsenal midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s campaign.
Partey’s absence means Ghana will have to make changes to its midfield plans for the match against Panama.
The reason for the entry denial was not officially stated by Ghanaian football authorities, but the Canadian government website states that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
Partey was recently charged with sexual assault, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The former Arsenal star has denied the charges.
His unavailability leaves Ghana without one of their most experienced players as they begin their World Cup campaign in Toronto.
Ghana will be hoping to begin their campaign on a strong note despite Partey’s absence.
The Black Stars are among the African teams expected to make an impact at the tournament, but the latest development has added pressure on the coaching crew ahead of the opener.
The team will now have to rely on other midfield options to fill the gap left by Partey as they seek victory against Panama.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild.
Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.
The South Africa players have been exchanging some short passes, trying to open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break, but the co-hosts have been dominant so far.
South Africa’s forward Iqraam Rayners and Mexico’s defender Johan Vasquez fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Before the kickoff, the 80,000-strong crowd was entertained by Nigerian star Burna Boy, Colombian singer Shakira and a host of performers in an opening ceremony.
More to follow…
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