Hosts Morocco are through to the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after securing a dramatic 2-0 victory over Cameroon in their quarterfinal clash at Rabat on Friday, Bold Sports reports.
A composed first-half finish from the in-form Brahim Diaz, followed by a second-half strike from Ismael Saibari, secured a convincing win for the Atlas Lions, keeping their title ambitions alive as they chase a second continental crown.
Morocco began the match on the front foot, asserting control through sustained possession and an aggressive high press that stifled Cameroon’s build-up play. In the 24th minute, the Indomitable Lions were forced to make a substitution, with Junior Tchamadeu removed after Noussair Mazraoui accidentally fell on the defender’s knee, leading to an awkward landing.
Just two minutes after the change, Morocco broke the deadlock with Brahim Diaz continuing his incredible streak of scoring in every game. Ayoub El Kaabi provided the assist, flicking on a freekick that the Real Madrid forward bundled into the net to make it 1-0 to the hosts. It marked Diaz fifth goal in five games at the AFCON.
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Morocco had a shout for a penalty in the 37th minute as Ez Abde was accidentally caught by Eric Ebimbe, but after a short VAR check, the spot kick was not given.
Cameroon began to gain some foothold in the second half but almost saw the game get away from them few minutes after the hour mark as a deflected cross from Hakimi caused chaos in the box before an incredible goal-line clearance from Samuel Kotto prevented Morocco from extending their advantage.
The drama continued as Bilal El Khannouss, who was already on a yellow card, dragged down a charging Danny Namaso from behind, yet the referee did nothing, much to Cameroon’s frustration. Few minutes after that, El Khannouss was substituted and replaced by experienced midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
Regragui’s side eventually doubled their lead in the 74th minute courtesy of another set piece. This time, Ez Abde bent the ball to the back post, where a subtle flick from Nayef Aguerd found Saibari, who expertly controlled before rifling a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner, sealing Morocco’s spot in the semifinals.
With their place in the semifinals secured, Morocco will next take on the winner of the quarterfinal showdown between Nigeria and Algeria, set to take place at Marrakech on Saturday.
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