Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz etched his name into the record books on Sunday, January 4, 2026, after propelling the host nation into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 26-year-old playmaker delivered a decisive second-half strike at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, securing a 1-0 victory over a disciplined Tanzania side.
This goal not only sends the Atlas Lions into the final eight but also establishes Díaz as the first player in the history of the Moroccan national team to score four goals in a single AFCON tournament.
Díaz currently leads the race for the Golden Boot, having scored in every match he has played during this edition of the competition. His clinical finishing puts him ahead of prominent continental attackers like Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and teammate Ayoub El Kaabi. While Morocco dominated possession from the outset, they struggled to dismantle the Taifa Stars’ defensive block until Díaz found the breakthrough in the 64th minute. The attacking midfielder maintained his composure in the box to convert a precise pass from Achraf Hakimi, sparking celebrations across the host country.
According to prominent transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the achievement marks a significant milestone in Moroccan football history. Díaz surpassed the previous record held by national legend Ahmed Faras and matched the total tally of Youssef Mokhtari from 2004, though he achieved the feat in fewer matches. His consistent form throughout the group stage and the knockout round has solidified his reputation as the tournament’s most influential player to date.
Following the victory, Morocco now shifts its attention to a high-profile quarter-final encounter scheduled for Friday, January 9. The Atlas Lions will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Cameroon and South Africa. Head coach Walid Regragui will look to Díaz to maintain his scoring streak as the hosts pursue their first continental title in 50 years. Fans expect another capacity crowd in Rabat as the tournament favorites move one step closer to the final on January 18.
