Morocco vs. Tanzania: Tactical Analysis and Key Takeaways

The Moroccan national team secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Tanzania, a result that did not come easily. This match provided several insights into the team's performance, tactics, and areas that need improvement as they continue their journey toward the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

A Difficult Yet Crucial Victory

Morocco managed to score twice, but the game highlighted several weaknesses, particularly in maintaining attacking fluidity and sustaining an effective rhythm. The overall pace of the match was slow, which raises concerns about the team's readiness for AFCON. If the tournament were to start within the next few months, Morocco would face significant challenges given their current form.

In previous FIFA international breaks, expectations for the team were high, but this recent performance has brought them back to reality. Both the players and coaching staff must recognize the level of work required to compete at the highest level.

Tactical Observations

1. Inconsistencies in Player Tempo
   Some Moroccan players were operating at a high tempo (120% effort), while others lagged behind, barely reaching 40%. This lack of synchronization disrupted the team’s offensive build-up and limited the number of goal-scoring opportunities. Against Tanzania, Morocco registered only four shots on target, which was a decline from their five shots against Niger—a match that already raised concerns.

2. Comparison with Previous Opponents
   Tanzania’s defensive approach was less aggressive compared to Niger’s, yet Morocco still struggled to create consistent attacking threats. The slow build-up play and lack of urgency made it difficult to break down the opposition’s defense effectively.

3. Coach Walid Regragui’s Perspective
   In a brief post-match statement, Regragui reflected on Morocco’s progress, emphasizing that expectations have shifted dramatically over the years. Gone are the days when merely qualifying for AFCON was celebrated. Now, with Moroccan players competing at top European clubs like Real Madrid (Brahim Díaz), Manchester United (Noussair Mazraoui), and Olympique de Marseille (Amine Harit), the bar has been raised significantly.

Player Performances

• Defense:
  The defensive duo of Jawad El Yamiq and Nayef Aguerd showed signs of improved chemistry, while Noussair Mazraoui stood out as one of the best performers, providing stability on the right flank.

• Midfield:
  Sofyan Amrabat played a key role in ball circulation but was overly conservative, frequently opting to pass backward rather than pushing forward. His more aggressive approach in the second half contributed directly to the two goals scored.

• Attack:
  Brahim Díaz displayed individual brilliance but needs better support to avoid being isolated. Abde Ezzalzouli, playing as a left winger, had a below-average game, showing flashes of skill but lacking consistency.

  One of the main concerns remains the persistence in playing Youssef En-Nesyri as the central striker. En-Nesyri struggles with link-up play and is not effective in a system that relies on ground-based passing sequences. The insistence on using him in a style that does not suit his strengths continues to limit the team’s attacking potential.

Issues in Offensive Play

Throughout the match, Morocco relied heavily on pressing high up the field to disrupt Tanzania’s buildup. The strategy was to force Tanzania into playing long balls, which Morocco’s tall defenders could easily intercept. While this plan was effective at times, the lack of sharpness in the final third meant that Morocco failed to capitalize on many of these turnovers.

Moreover, the team showed hesitation in committing more players forward, likely due to a cautious approach from the coaching staff. At times, Morocco left three defenders back during possession phases rather than pushing an additional midfielder forward to create numerical superiority. When they finally adjusted in the second half, Amrabat moved higher up the pitch, and the impact was immediate, leading to two well-crafted goals.

Lessons Moving Forward

1. Increase Tempo and Urgency
   The team must work on increasing the speed of play, especially when transitioning from defense to attack.

2. Optimize Player Roles
   Finding a striker who better fits Morocco’s playing style will be crucial. En-Nesyri’s aerial ability is valuable, but in a team that prefers possession-based football, a forward with better ball control is needed.

3. Improve Tactical Flexibility
   Morocco needs to develop multiple tactical approaches to avoid being predictable. The overreliance on a single method of play makes them easier to counteract.

Final Thoughts

Despite the victory, this match served as a wake-up call for Morocco. With AFCON approaching, the team must address their tactical inconsistencies, improve attacking fluidity, and ensure that all players are operating at the same intensity. While the individual talent is undeniable, collective cohesion and adaptability will determine their success in upcoming tournaments.