Morocco marched into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an assured 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat.
Backed by a deafening home crowd, the Atlas Lions delivered control and composure when it mattered most.
A goal in each half settled a contest that rarely tilted away from Walid Regragui’s side. Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari struck from set pieces to send the host nation into the last four.
Diaz opened the scoring midway through the first half, reacting sharply inside the six-yard box. Ayoub El Kaabi flicked on a corner, and Diaz nudged the ball home using his thigh.
The strike was his fifth of the tournament, as he has scored in each of the five matches Morocco have participated in at the tournament. More importantly, it rewarded Morocco’s relentless pressure during a dominant opening spell.
Cameroon struggled to cope with Morocco’s aggressive press and quick ball circulation. Corners and free-kicks piled up, while the Indomitable Lions rarely escaped their own half.
The atmosphere inside the 69,500-capacity stadium crackled with energy and belief. Whistles followed every Cameroonian touch, while thunderous applause lifted the hosts relentlessly forward.
Tensions flared before halftime as frustration crept into Cameroon’s play. Captain Nouhou Tolo was booked for a cynical foul, and a touchline confrontation briefly halted proceedings.
Morocco continued to threaten after the break, though the tempo dipped slightly. Abde Ezzalzouli remained dangerous, while El Kaabi tested the side netting with a sharp effort.
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Atlas Lions extend unbeaten run as belief grows ahead of decisive semi-final clash
Saibari eventually sealed the win in the 74th minute with calm authority. He collected Nayef Aguerd’s flick-on, steadied himself, and fired low across goal.
Cameroon, who reached the quarter-finals with minimal possession previously, failed to register a shot on target. Their best chance came from Georges-Kevin Nkoudou’s glancing header, which drifted harmlessly wide.
The result marked Morocco’s first AFCON victory over Cameroon after three previous failed attempts. It also revealed a shifting balance of power shaped by years of investment and planning.
Regragui’s side are now unbeaten in 25 matches across competitions. The run stretches back to their last-16 exit at the 2023 finals and only shows remarkable consistency.
Morocco have reached the AFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2004. They now sit two wins away from ending a continental title drought stretching back to 1976.
Encouragingly, captain Achraf Hakimi completed 90 minutes again following his injury return. His growing fitness adds leadership and balance ahead of a defining week.
Next, Morocco will return to Rabat to face either Algeria or Nigeria on Wednesday night in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.
Tags: Morocco, Cameroon, #CAMMAR, #CMRMAR, #AFCON2025, #AFCON25, Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Abde Ezzalzouli.
