Morocco are through to the 2012 African Cup of Nations after convincingly defeating Tanzania 3-1 at home
Taarabt could have made himself an instant hero within 2 minutes of his Moroccan national team comeback but missed a wide-open header after an excellent cross from Oussama Assaidi.
Mbark Boussoufa had his own opportunity just a minute later but dragged his shot wide despite having passing options in the box. The Marrakech Stadium crowd didn’t have to wait much longer though as Assaidi once again put in an inviting cross from the left flank that Chamakh put away in trademark fashion.
Taarabt should have padded the lead in minute 25 but blasted his left-footed effort above the crossbar after Chamakh had put him in a good position to score.
The Moroccans were controlling the tempo but, against the run of play, Tanzania’s Sadala surprised everyone with a long distance strike that tied things up at 1-1 just before the break, punishing the home team for their lack of efficiency in front of goal.
Eric Gerets side continued where they left off after halftime, dominating possession and focusing their attacks on Assaidi’s left side as the Heerenveen player’s ability to ease past his markers made him a constant menace.
In minute 68, Taarabt got his much-sought goal on an expertly taken free-kick, restoring the north Africans’ lead and once again endearing him to Atlas Lions fans. The QPR player was replaced by Youssef El-Arabi seconds later, receiving a standing ovation on his way off the pitch.
With their win assured and the other Group D tie going how they had hoped, Morocco added a third through Boussoufa’s low shot from outside the box. It could have been worse for the visitors as Chamakh was unjustly denied his second by the linesman on an earlier play.
Thus, the Moroccans are will be back on the continental stage come January after missing out on the Angolan edition in 2010.
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